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Mental health support shouldn’t start when someone reaches a crisis. Dr. Zainab Okolo of The Jed Foundation joins us to talk about creating a culture of care... from the people we surround ourselves with to the policies shaping college campuses across the country. From everyday conversations to advocacy on Capitol Hill, Dr. Z shares what it takes to build environments where people feel comfortable asking for help, and why mental health isn’t something we simply “fix,” but something we continually learn to navigate. Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

From Cal Rugby National Championship to Doctors telling him he might never walk again, in this episode, Rob Paylor shares his journey of physical injury and mental fortitude.   Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Deona Hatley, a fitness and wellness coach rejoins the Scooty Fund - She's spent years helping students and employees at major universities build healthier and sustainable lives on campus. In this episode, we dive into the power of movement in daily life, the hidden connection between reflection and real growth, and why most organizations get employee wellness completely backwards. From Georgetown’s GU Moves initiative to building healthier workplace cultures, Deona shares practical ways to create environments where people can sustainably thrive. Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

This week on Scoot, we sit down with Ethan Getchell, whose brother Austin’s death by suicide became the catalyst for a life devoted to helping others heal. Ethan shares how grief shaped his journey into therapy, speaking, and building mental health support for young people and the construction industry.  Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Dr. John Ogrodniczuk joins the Scooty fund for a conversation on Men’s mental health.  If you are a guy or know a guy, this episode is for you.  Combating loneliness, simple keys to long term strength, and much more!  Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

In this episode, Claire and Howard kick things off by reflecting on how overscheduling can be a coping mechanism—one that keeps us busy but not necessarily regulated. We then welcome Morenike Olorunnisomo, a Dallas-based psychotherapist specializing in complex trauma, somatic therapy, and the mind-body connection. Morenike shares insights on the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD, particularly how trauma can shape a person’s sense of self from birth. We explore the essential role of nervous system regulation in healing, how emotions serve as valuable information, and how the body naturally releases stored trauma through tears, shaking, and other somatic responses. Morenike also discusses why safety is the foundation of trauma recovery and how we can support ourselves and others in that process. Join us for a deep, compassionate conversation on the body’s wisdom and the power of healing in safe, supportive spaces. Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating. Follow The Scooty Fund: InstagramTwitterLinkedInFollow Morenike: InstagramWebsiteSomatic movement and meditationFollow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Today we sit down with Jackson Polatnick, a traveler, business school student, and dedicated member of The Scooty Fund, which he joined in honor of his late friend, Will. Jackson opens up about his journey with mental health, the misconceptions around masculinity, and how true strength lies in vulnerability and self-awareness. He shares practical tips for initiating meaningful conversations, embracing routines like journaling and exercise while traveling, and finding peace through connection with others. Jackson also delves into the intersection of mental health and the corporate world, reflecting on how stepping away from unhealthy work habits—like nonstop emails and neglecting personal time—helped him rediscover balance and authenticity. This episode is full of insights on building community, staying curious, and prioritizing what truly matters, whether in life, work, or personal growth. Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating. Follow The Scooty Fund: InstagramTwitterLinkedInFollow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

In this episode, Claire and Howard sit down with Sarah Pribis, an actress, host, and content creator, to discuss her journey through sobriety and self-discovery. Sarah reflects on her 20s in New York City, navigating college and the hospitality industry, where drugs and alcohol were ever-present. She opens up about using substances to quiet her overthinking mind and the low moments that pushed her to seek help—like being sent home from work under the influence and fearing that one day she may overdose. Now, Sarah has cultivated a toolkit of healthy habits, including walking, aromatherapy, and connecting with loved ones, that ground her and support her sobriety journey. Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating. Follow The Scooty Fund: InstagramTwitterLinkedInFollow Sarah: InstagramTikTokWebsiteFollow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

In today’s episode, Claire and Howard dive into strategies for resetting your nervous system and finding calm after moments of high adrenaline, such as unexpected emergencies. They explore techniques like ice plunges, dopamine detoxing, and the importance of doing something uncomfortable every day—like staying off your phone while waiting in line. The conversation touches on setting boundaries with screen time and social media, alternative therapies beyond talk therapy (like hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and exercise), and the benefits of singing, humming, and physical movement. Claire shares insights from teaching sculpt pilates and the mind-body connection, while Howard draws parallels to how animals “shake out” stress and relates it to his own experience running. Tune in for practical tips and fresh perspectives on stress relief and nervous system regulation! Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating. Follow The Scooty Fund: InstagramTwitterLinkedInFollow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Episode 5 dives into the power of resilience, grit, and emotional vulnerability with guest Cason Crane, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and activist with a remarkable journey. Cason opens up about his personal mental health struggles, despite a life filled with privilege and achievements – such as being the first openly LGBT person to climb the Seven Summits, and founding an award-winning coffee business, Explorer Cold Brew.   Cason shares how he navigates the complexities of being both grateful and sad, reflecting on his late mother’s battle with cancer and the lessons she taught him about perseverance. Together, they discuss the importance of holding space for dual truths—how something can be both painful and beautiful—and finding a personal “recipe” for mental health that embraces both grit and compassion.  From the role of medication in his recovery to the value of leaning on others, Cason highlights the need for vulnerability and emotional intimacy, especially among men. Tune in as Cason, Claire, and Howard tackle what it means to embrace the messy, human side of mental health while striving for growth, balance, and connection. This episode is packed with insights for anyone seeking their own path toward healing.  Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Join us for an empowering episode with Gabriella Amaya, a 27-year-old Latina disabled woman from Long Island, New York. Gabriella shares her journey of living with Ollier’s disease, a rare bone disorder that caused malformed growth in her right leg and required multiple surgeries during childhood. Her experiences of navigating a non-typical childhood, physical pain, and later ovarian cancer have shaped her into a passionate advocate for the disability community. As the founder and host of Re-Define, a podcast dedicated to unpacking life with a disability, Gabriella explores themes of pride, shame, and identity while amplifying disabled voices. She highlights the importance of disabled individuals taking leadership roles and the need for accessibility and compassion in all aspects of society. Gabriella’s story is one of resilience and self-love, emphasizing the importance of embracing scars, leaning into discomfort, and prioritizing rest as a vital part of healing and advocacy. Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating. Follow The Scooty Fund: InstagramTwitterLinkedInFollow Gabriella: Instagram: Gabriella and the Re-Define podcastLinkedInFollow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Episode 3 dives deep with a fresh perspective on healing and self-care! Claire Calfo and Howard Cooke are joined by trauma therapist Devin Brooks, an experienced specialist in the field of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), working with people and communities across diverse contexts. They bring a multifaceted lens to understanding mental health, especially for those in high-stress situations and marginalized communities. This episode delves into how trauma and stress responses are often inherited across generations. Devin breaks down complex trauma, highlighting how repeated exposure to stress impacts self-concept and relationships. Together, Devin and our hosts explore how to reframe these experiences, discussing the concept of finding safety, joy, and self-soothing methods that empower healing. Tune in to hear Claire, Howard, and Devin examine these deep-rooted patterns and share accessible ways to reconnect with yourself, your emotions, and those around you. This conversation sets the stage for a season that’s all about embracing mental health from a whole-person perspective. Follow Devin Brooks on Instagram: @talk.trauma Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

In this episode, Claire and Howard catch up and discuss how they manage burnout while balancing a busy week of work and school. They cover the basics—getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, exercising, and practicing meditation. Claire leads a brief gratitude-centered meditation to help them recenter. Today they interview Katie Potratz, a clinical hypnotherapist and author, who shares her unexpected journey into hypnotherapy, starting from a self-help book to becoming a life coach and exploring the power of the subconscious mind. Katie explains how we naturally enter light-trance states throughout the day, during activities like washing the dishes and listening to a podcast. She shares how hypnotherapy can address issues like anxiety, self-worth, trauma, and physical pain, including a success story of a client whose chronic pain disappeared after working through trauma. Katie emphasizes that hypnotherapy isn’t a quick fix, but with time and effort, it can help clients address their core issues, and even tackle problems such as chronic pain and insomnia. Learn more about The Scooty Fund’s work and about Katie’s work. Please consider supporting our work by donating. Follow The Scooty Fund: InstagramTwitterLinkedInFollow Katie: InstagramKatie’s book: The Uncaged Mind  Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Season 4 of the pod brings exciting news! Claire Calfo has been hosting guests solo and led meaningful conversations for Scoot for the past two seasons. But this season she is joined by a new co-host, Howard Cooke, a previous president and vice president of The Scooty Fund!  Howard brings his passion to uncover various mental health tools, while Claire shares her journey of pursuing a career as a therapist and meditation instructor. This season, Claire and Howard approach mental health conversations with curiosity as they explore topics like burnout, stress management, and various therapy techniques. They emphasize that mental health is not one-size-fits-all, discussing options beyond talk therapy, like somatic work and hypnotherapy. They aim to discover accessible mental health practices that don’t require significant resources. Tune in as they reflect on the mental health taboos they grew up with, explore how life seasons shape coping strategies, and chat about slowing down for better well-being. This episode sets the tone for a season full of insights and real talk. Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Jordan Grainger is a young professional on a sober curious journey. On today’s episode, Jordan will share how her relationship with alcohol has evolved in her post-college years. Her journey started as a 30-day challenge to quit drinking, and led to so much more. As Jordan experimented with various levels of drinking (or not drinking), she paid attention to the changes in her body and mindset. After cutting out alcohol, her anxiety completely dissolved and her depression was manageable for the first time she could remember. This led to a deeper exploration of why she felt the need to drink in the first place. Through journaling, therapy, and reflection, Jordan has come to a place where she can assess her desire to drink and respond accordingly. If you’ve been interested in a sober curious lifestyle, this episode is for you. Learn more about The Scooty Fund’s work at https://www.scootyfund.org/. Please consider supporting our work by donating. Follow The Scooty Fund: InstagramTwitterLinkedInFollow Jordan: InstagramTikTok: @jordan_grainger‘Still No Plan’ PodcastFollow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund See more online: https://scootyfund.org/