Advertise on podcast: Hope Starts With Us

At the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season, five-time All-Star NBA player Kevin Love joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss athlete mental health. Rooted in his personal experiences, Kevin Love explores breaking the silence, moving past stigma, and finding help. Throughout their conversation, the pair talk about what it means to identify as an athlete, the pressure that comes along with athletics, and his advice for student athletes. Coaches, trusted adults, and student athletes will benefit from this open conversation full of Kevin Love’s lived experiences and his thoughts about how to best support young athletes.    Learn more at kevinlovefund.org or sign up to bring “Real Talk: Strength in Seeking Support” to your teams here.  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Tune in for a conversation between American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Senior Vice President of Research Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman and NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. During their conversation, the pair discusses the ways that both NAMI and AFSP turn science into hopeful action for people affected by either mental health conditions or suicide. Listeners will hear from Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman what research has been inspiring hope for her, themes of impactful interventions, and what helps her hold onto hope.     Learn more about AFSP-funded research at https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-research/   You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

In this episode, Peloton instructor and singer Camila Ramón joins guest host, Dr. Christine Crawford, NAMI’s chief medical officer. Camila Ramón has led a lifelong journey with exercise and fitness at the core, first as a dancer in her youth and now as a cycling, running, and strength instructor with Peloton. Her experiences weren’t always full of acceptance and body positivity, though. Together, Camila and Dr. Crawford explore navigating Hispanic cultural expectations, repairing relationships between ourselves and fitness, and embracing health rather than appearance. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Ahead of National Voter Registration Day, this episode explores the importance of advocacy and taking action by voting for mental health. Brandon Graham, NAMI’s director of advocacy, joined NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. for a conversation about advocating about mental health and how people can get involved. Throughout their discussion, Brandon will also share the top reasons to vote for mental health and resources for making sure listeners are ready to vote this November.   Learn more at vote4mentalhealth.org.  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Anyone starting a business can expect to run into some hurdles along the way. Our guest for this episode, Michelle Hammer of clothing brand Schizophrenic.NYC, is a business owner living with schizophrenia and advocating for mental health. During this episode, listeners will hear from Michelle about her experiences receiving mental health diagnoses, what prompted her activism, how she navigates being a business owner, and what she wishes others knew about living with schizophrenia.  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Kristen Doute joins NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Crawford to explore her first year of parenthood and the highs and lows that came with it. Throughout their conversation, Kristen and Dr. Crawford discuss Kristen’s experiences with mental health, infertility, and new motherhood. From making the decision to become a parent to understanding how one’s identity may change after parenthood, many parents may see themselves in Kristen’s journey. Tune in for a transparent chat about these experiences, guided by Dr. Crawford’s expertise in psychiatric care. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Did you know that the NAMI HelpLine is staffed by trained volunteers? In this episode, hear from two volunteers, Jessica Clementino and Inigo San Gil, and National Director of NAMI HelpLine Services Megan Rochford about why the NAMI HelpLine is so critical. Listeners will also learn about the impact of the HelpLine, why NAMI launched the new Family Caregiver HelpLine option, the experience of volunteering, and more.    Are you interested in becoming a NAMI HelpLine volunteer? Visit nami.org/volunteer to learn more.   You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Through the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA), NAMI is working to reduce mental health crises nationwide, especially in Black/African Ancestry communities. One component of increasing access to mental health care and trust in mental health care systems is increasing representation among providers. By partnering with the Young Doctors Project, NAMI is helping to Pack the Pipeline with diverse mental health professionals. This episode highlights the partnership NAMI has with the Young Doctors Project, why this work to increase representation is crucial, how diversity in research leads to important findings, and more. Through this conversation with Dr. Sabina Berretta, Mahlon Williams (Young Doctors Project participant), and Dr. Malcolm Woodland, NAMI highlights the need for more representation and diversity in mental health professions and the notable impact increased diversity has on mental health care.    Learn more about the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA).  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

This episode highlights mental health systems and caregiving for loved ones with mental health conditions. As NAMI recognizes Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, Dr. Glenda Wrenn Gordon and Christopher Hampton join NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine and Crisis Can’t Wait materials, as well as exploring advice about navigating mental health care systems.  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Kody Green joins “Hope Starts With Us” to share his story of living with schizophrenia. From diagnosis to incarceration to his thriving present-day life, this episode will explore the impact of Kody’s experiences on how he has evolved over the years. As a content creator with a following of two million across platforms, Kody’s story resonates with so many who want to feel community with someone who lives with mental illness and learn more about what it’s like to navigate schizophrenia.   Learn more about Kody’s experiences with schizophrenia through his social media. Find him @schizophrenichippie on Instagram and TikTok. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

In honor of Pride Month, this episode explores mental health for LGBTQ+ young people. NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski is joined by Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen (The Trevor Project) and Taylor Locke (NAMI Next Gen, NAMI New York State). Together, the trio discusses recent research from The Trevor Project about mental health among LGBTQ+ youth, the importance of supportive adults for LGBTQ+ young people, how communities can reduce the risk of suicide for young queer people, and more.  Learn more from The Trevor Project's research here.  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

In this key episode, NAMI explores how becoming a parent brings many changes to anyone’s life. To add to the changes, balancing new or forthcoming parenthood with mental health conditions might feel difficult.  Guest host Barb Solish, NAMI’s National Director of Innovation, is joined by Kate Kennedy-Lynch, NAMI Director of External Relations, and Alessandra Torresani, actress, podcast host, and NAMI Ambassador. They discuss their own lived experiences navigating mental health conditions before, during, and after their pregnancies, sharing what they’ve learned throughout their mental health journeys. Finally, they share ways they’ve found to balance mental health and parenthood for Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Month. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Joshua Bassett, popular musician and actor best known for his role in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” joins the podcast for an exploration into coming of age under constant evaluation. Joshua’s new book, “Rookie: My Public, Private, and Secret Life,” was released this week, published as Mental Health Awareness Month begins. As a young person struggling with anxiety and addiction, Joshua learned that the journey to recovery is often not linear. In this episode, listeners will hear NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. and Joshua discuss the keys to Joshua’s recovery, how acting in a high-profile show impacted his identity and growth, the ways art surpasses performance and becomes survival, the role of hope in his healing journey, and more.  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

This episode of “Hope Starts With Us” features NAMI’s Director of Field Resource Development Mary Sorensen. Through this conversation, listeners will learn about NAMIWalks, NAMI’s community-driven fundraising event happening nationwide. This discussion will highlight the importance of community mental health events, the power of coming together with our neighbors, how to get involved, and more.   Sign up for a NAMIWalks near you today! You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

For the 100th episode of “Hope Starts With Us,” NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by outgoing Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth and Dr. Christine Crawford, our incoming chief medical officer. Together, the trio explores the past and future of mental health care. During their conversation, they cover pressing topics in mental health care today, the futures they hope for, and how NAMI is guiding the path forward.  Listeners can find both "You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health" by Dr. Ken Duckworth and "You Are Not Alone For Parents and Caregivers: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health" by Dr. Christine Crawford online via NAMI's website.  You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.  Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.