Advertise on podcast: Mental Health 101

Mental Health 101 features Kevie The Dreamer, a self-empowerment creative, podcaster, singer, and host who uses his platform to encourage people to care for their mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, Kevie shares his perspective on what positive mental health really means. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when we are struggling, paying attention to our emotional and physical needs, and taking intentional steps to care for ourselves before stress and exhaustion become overwhelming. The conversation also explores the pressures of living in a fast-paced world filled with responsibilities, distractions, and constant demands for our attention. Kevie discusses why people can become disconnected from themselves and how learning to slow down, rest, and listen to what the body is communicating can make a meaningful difference. Self-care is another major focus of the discussion. Rather than viewing self-care as an occasional luxury or reward, Kevie encourages people to see it as an essential part of everyday wellness. Whether it means getting enough sleep, creating quiet time, enjoying relaxing activities, visiting a spa, practicing personal care, or simply sitting with your thoughts, self-care can look different for everyone. At its heart, this conversation is about becoming more attentive to yourself, reducing the noise of everyday life, and giving your mind and body the care they need. Join Mental Health 101 for an uplifting discussion about self-awareness, balance, self-care, and cre

In Season 1 of Mental Health 101, Part 2 of Disenchanted: Why a Generation Raised Without Religion Is Drowning in Meaning It Can't Locate continues our conversation about purpose, belonging, and emotional well-being. What happens when the beliefs and communities that once helped people make sense of life no longer feel available or convincing? We explore how that loss can leave some people feeling adrift, while also recognizing that meaning can come from many places: relationships, service, creativity, faith, and shared community. Join us for a thoughtful look at how we search for purpose and build connection in a changing world.

Mental Health 101 welcomes Dr. Mark Hrymoc, a psychiatrist with extensive expertise in addiction, psychopharmacology, and mental health disorders. Dr. Hrymoc is double board-certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry and was previously board-certified in Addiction Medicine. He previously served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, where he supervised psychiatrists in training through the university's Addiction Psychiatry Clinic. He completed his subspecialty training in Addiction Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and has served as a consulting physician to several drug and alcohol treatment centers in the region. In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between mental health, addiction, the brain, medication, recovery, and psychiatric treatment. Dr. Hrymoc brings a clinical and evidence-based perspective to understanding why addiction and mental health conditions can be so difficult to navigate, how treatment approaches have evolved, and why individualized care matters. This conversation aims to move beyond stigma and misconceptions while helping listeners better understand addiction and mental health through the perspective of an experienced psychiatrist. Mental Health 101 is part of the Universal Podcast Network — One Voice, Everywhere.

Dr. Stacey Krauss, Psy.D., ABPP, joined Transitions Counseling and Consulting in 2021 following 10 years of active duty service as a psychologist in the U.S. Army. During her military career, she trained at Joint Base San Antonio and worked directly with several combat units from the 10th Mountain Division. She also completed a deployment to Afghanistan in 2013. Dr. Krauss later served for five years at Fort Bragg, where she led the largest mental health service in the U.S. Army. In recognition of her distinguished service, she received a Bronze Star, a Combat Action Badge, three Meritorious Service Medals, and several other honors. Her professional experience includes executive leadership roles overseeing diverse behavioral health teams within the Department of Defense. She has also designed and directed nationally accredited training programs for future psychologists. Dr. Krauss is a diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and holds board certifications in Clinical Psychology and Business and Organizational Consulting Psychology. She also earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her clinical practice, Dr. Krauss specializes in psychological assessments for children and adults. As a combat veteran, she is especially committed to providing excellent care to service members, veterans, and military families. She also presents and teaches on topics such as cultural competence within military communities and the use of data to improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Krauss is licensed to practice in Arizona and Texas.

Mental Health 101 welcomes Kenneth Wyche, author of Get Your Mind Right and founder of the lifestyle brand Life with Kin, for an inspiring conversation about emotional well being, confidence, personal growth, and living a more fulfilling life. Kenneth explains how practical strategies, scientific insights, and a deeper understanding of the mind can help people overcome limiting beliefs, strengthen their resilience, and reconnect with their full potential. This meaningful episode expands the conversation beyond mental illness and emotional struggle, revealing how mental health also shapes our relationships, decision making, sense of purpose, personal identity, and ability to experience greater confidence, fulfillment, and joy.

Mental Health 101, in its first season, explores a provocative question: What if the loneliness epidemic is not primarily a mental health crisis, but a deeper moral and spiritual crisis wearing the costume of one? As more people struggle with isolation, disconnection, and a fading sense of belonging, this episode looks beyond symptoms and asks whether modern society has lost the shared values, meaningful relationships, community bonds, and spiritual foundations that once helped people feel connected. Could loneliness be more than the absence of company? Could it also reflect a loss of purpose, responsibility, faith, and genuine human connection? This thoughtful conversation examines what we may be missing and what it could truly take to rebuild belonging in an increasingly disconnected world.

Barby Ingle is a bestselling author whose books explore physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Through practical tips, personal insights, and adaptable strategies, she helps readers discover what works best for them so they can live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Today, Barby focuses on mental health and the importance of caring for our emotional well-being. Mental health affects everyone and can change in response to stress, loss, trauma, relationships, and major life transitions. Some challenges may be temporary and situational, while conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder may require professional evaluation and ongoing support. Treatment may include counseling, medication, lifestyle changes, community support, or a combination of approaches. Barby encourages people to understand their individual needs, seek qualified help when necessary, and actively participate in building a healthier life.

Moving beyond online mental health awareness requires turning conversation into accessible, dependable, real-world support. Communities can train teachers, employers, faith leaders, coaches, and volunteers to recognize warning signs and connect people with qualified help. Schools and workplaces should provide affordable counselling, peer-support programs, mental-health days, crisis-response plans, and clear referral pathways. Support must also address practical barriers. Offering transportation, childcare, flexible appointments, multilingual services, and low-cost or free care can help people receive assistance before reaching a crisis. Online campaigns should therefore be connected to local clinics, support groups, hotlines, community centres, and licensed professionals—not simply encourage people to "speak up." Most importantly, progress should be measured through results: shorter waiting times, increased access to treatment, sustained recovery, fewer crises, and stronger community connections. Awareness opens the conversation, but real change happens when people know exactly where to go, can afford the help, and receive consistent support without judgment.

My name is Laura Giles, and I am a trauma therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals understand, process, and heal from painful experiences. Throughout my career, I have witnessed how trauma can quietly shape a person's thoughts, emotions, relationships, behaviors, and everyday decisions—often without them realizing where those patterns began. Trauma is not simply about what happened to us; it is also about how those experiences continue to live within the mind, body, and nervous system. I am deeply passionate about talking openly about trauma because I believe healing it can be one of the most powerful steps toward creating a healthier and more fulfilling life. Unresolved trauma may influence how people see themselves, respond to stress, establish boundaries, trust others, and form meaningful connections. It can appear through anxiety, depression, emotional numbness, perfectionism, people-pleasing, anger, self-doubt, or a persistent feeling of being unsafe—even when no immediate danger exists.

Mental Health 101, now in its second season, features "The Music Never Forgets — Ancient Wisdom and the Science of Memory, Part 2." This compelling episode continues the exploration of the extraordinary connection between music, memory, emotion, and the human mind. Drawing connections between ancient wisdom and modern scientific understanding, we examine why certain melodies can remain deeply embedded in our memories, how music can awaken emotions and experiences from the past, and why familiar songs can sometimes reach parts of us that ordinary words cannot. Part 2 takes the conversation deeper into the role music may play in emotional well-being, identity, human connection, and our understanding of how memories are formed and preserved. It is an illuminating journey into the remarkable relationship between sound, memory, and the mind—and why, even when other memories begin to fade, the music may remain.

Mental Health 101, now in its second season, features "The Music Never Forgets: Ancient Wisdom and the Science of Memory, Part One." This compelling episode explores the powerful relationship between music, memory and mental well-being. Blending ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding, it examines how rhythm, melody and sound can awaken forgotten experiences, regulate emotions and preserve connections that words can no longer reach. The discussion also reveals why familiar music can offer comfort, strengthen identity and reconnect people with meaningful moments from their past. Ultimately, this episode shows that even when memory begins to fade, music can remain a profound pathway to healing, recognition and human connection.

Mind Matters: Understanding the Real Journey of Mental Wellness" takes listeners beyond surface-level conversations and into the authentic, often challenging path toward emotional and psychological well-being. This episode unpacks what it truly means to navigate mental wellness—acknowledging setbacks, celebrating small breakthroughs, and finding resilience in the face of internal struggles. Through grounded insights and empathetic discussion, it highlights the importance of self-awareness, community support, and daily practices that strengthen the mind. By embracing the full spectrum of the mental health journey, the episode empowers listeners to view wellness not as a destination but as a continual process of growth, healing, and understanding.

Beyond the Stigma: Why Mental Health Awareness Still Matters underscores the urgent need to normalize conversations around mental well-being in a world where silent struggles remain far too common. This episode explores how outdated beliefs and misconceptions continue to prevent people from seeking help, even as mental health challenges affect individuals across all ages, backgrounds, and professions. By highlighting real experiences, expert insights, and compassionate perspectives, it emphasizes that awareness is not just about understanding disorders—it is about fostering empathy, building supportive communities, and empowering people to prioritize their emotional health. Ultimately, the episode reminds listeners that breaking stigma is a collective responsibility that leads to healing, connection, and a healthier society.

Mental Health 101, in its first season, features Barby Ingle as my guest, offering a heartfelt and informed discussion on mental health awareness. In this episode, she shares her personal journey, advocacy work, and the practical strategies individuals can use to navigate emotional challenges with resilience and clarity. We explore the importance of early recognition, open communication, and community support in breaking stigma and fostering healthier conversations. Barby's experience and passion provide listeners with both encouragement and actionable insights, making this episode a meaningful contribution to the growing dialogue around mental well-being.

Mental Health 101, in its first season, features Yogi Mueller as our guest, offering a thoughtful and insightful conversation on mental health awareness. He highlights the importance of recognizing the early signs of emotional struggle, creating safe spaces for honest conversations, and embracing habits that support inner balance. Through his compassionate perspective, listeners are encouraged to understand their mental well-being as a vital part of overall health, reminding us that caring for the mind is just as essential as caring for the body.