PiZetta Media: Podcast with a Cause

Dr. Elizabeth Markle, co-founder and executive director of Open Source Wellness, joins us to share her journey in the mental health field and how it led to the creation of her groundbreaking nonprofit organization. From an early passion for becoming a therapist to working within healthcare systems that often fell short of patients' needs, Dr. Markle recognized the need for something different. Open Source Wellness was born out of a desire to create a supportive, culturally affirmative, and community-driven model where individuals could experience "community as medicine." By focusing on movement, nutrition, social connection, and stress reduction, Open Source Wellness brings participants together to create real, lasting changes in their health and well-being. In this inspiring interview, Dr. Markle delves into the philosophy behind community-driven health coaching, the transformative power of group support, and the importance of creating joyful and culturally informed spaces for healing. As she describes, healthcare must evolve beyond traditional "good luck" prescriptions and embrace models that empower individuals through connection and support. With her team's dedication and the power of collective healing, Open Source Wellness offers an inclusive path forward for physical, mental, and social wellness. Learn more about their innovative approach and how you can get involved or benefit from this movement to reshape healthcare.

Adam Nemer, founder of Simple Mental Health, shares his personal journey from a high-pressure career as a senior executive with undiagnosed anxiety and depression to becoming a dedicated mental health advocate. Nemer recounts how a thoughtful conversation initiated by a senior leader who took a mental health first aid course transformed his life, paving the way for his own healing journey and a redefined approach to leadership. By normalizing discussions around mental health, Nemer illustrates how creating supportive workplace environments can drastically improve both employee well-being and business performance. Throughout the conversation with Michael VanZetta, Nemer passionately details his mission to educate business leaders on building stigma-free workplace cultures. Through training programs and open dialogue, Simple Mental Health aims to make mental health literacy a key component of leadership, proving that compassion and awareness can transform not only individual lives but entire organizations. Nemer’s commitment to shifting mindsets around mental health in the corporate world is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and authentic leadership.

In this interview, Jeff Johnston, CEO and founder of Brightn, shares his deeply moving and transformative journey that inspired the creation of his mental wellness initiative. Jeff opens up about his life-changing moments, from personal success as an investment firm owner to profound loss when he lost his son, Seth, to fentanyl poisoning, followed by the passing of his wife due to alcoholism. These heartbreaking events motivated Jeff to create Brightn, an app aimed at empowering youth with mental wellness tools, rather than resorting to labels and prescriptions. Jeff's vulnerability and determination to rise from tragedy illustrate the power of resilience and a purpose-driven mission to bring change to others who are struggling. Throughout the interview with Michael VanZetta, Jeff shares powerful insights into the complexities of grief, addiction, and mental health, reflecting on how society handles these challenges, particularly among young people. He emphasizes the importance of support systems, authentic conversations, and building community connections. Jeff's dedication to helping others, especially through tools like Brightn and his podcast, reflects a relentless desire to change the narrative around mental health, offering hope and empowerment instead of stigma and despair. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of how pain, when reframed, can lead to lasting, positive impact on the world.

Dr. Julie Radlauer, CEO of Collectively, shares her journey and dedication to supporting mental health for children and families. Since founding Collectively in 2020, she has focused on transforming complex research on behavioral health into practical, digestible tools for everyday people. Drawing from her vast experience in public health and work across child welfare, probation, and educational systems, Dr. Radlauer uses her expertise to create impactful resources, including a workbook titled "Connect 100 Ways to Create Happiness in Your Life." This innovative tool features actionable activities for improving social connection, managing social media, and more—helping individuals, families, therapists, and teachers alike enhance their mental well-being. In this interview, Dr. Radlauer discusses the challenges and rewards of public speaking, turning research into engaging, relatable material, and the power of collaboration. Her passion for empowering communities and creating meaningful change shines through, whether in one-on-one workshops or large public events. Dr. Radlauer’s hope is to foster a movement around social connection, particularly for young people, to promote genuine interaction and belonging in a digitally dominated world. Learn how her work is making a difference in the global mental health crisis and how you can use her strategies to create more connection and happiness in your own life.

Sarah Fargo O'Brien, a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia, shares her inspiring journey into the mental health field, fueled by a deep desire to understand human behavior and connection. From high school psychology classes to navigating her own experiences with complex PTSD, anxiety, and relational trauma, Sarah found her calling in helping others heal. Her unique blend of professional training and personal insight allows her to genuinely connect with clients, offering a safe space to navigate their own challenges. With a focus on trauma-informed care, Sarah's therapeutic approach emphasizes that healing is a deeply human process that benefits both client and therapist. Sarah's dedication extends beyond one-on-one therapy, as she leverages her voice through podcasts, writing, and public speaking. Using platforms like LinkedIn to share her expertise, she aims to educate and break the stigma around mental health care. Passionate about creating systemic change, Sarah envisions trauma-informed leadership and practices becoming standard in all industries. By sharing her experiences and advocating for more compassionate work environments, she hopes to foster a culture that acknowledges and supports mental health, helping individuals and communities thrive together.

Cathy Applefeld Olson, founder of Hollywood and Mind, shares her passionate journey as a mental health advocate, emphasizing the importance of celebrating individual uniqueness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Inspired by her experiences as a mother and a seasoned entertainment journalist, Cathy saw a powerful intersection between mental health and media. Having countless conversations with influential figures in the entertainment industry, she recognized the untapped potential of using media's reach to foster impactful change. Her initiative, Hollywood and Mind, serves as a central hub connecting mental health efforts across sectors, fostering collaborations that elevate awareness and action. Driven by a deep desire to address the global mental health crisis, Cathy launched her Forbes column, "Mind Reading," where she interviews artists, athletes, and influential voices about their mental health journeys. From this work emerged Hollywood and Mind, which has grown into a community-centered platform championing mental health conversations and events led by experts and industry stars like Demi Lovato and Marlon Wayans. Cathy is determined to use entertainment's immense influence to inspire meaningful change, amplify mental health stories, and create lasting impact both within and beyond the entertainment industry.

Natalie Lamb is a Life, Relationship, and Grief Coach, as well as a Prevention Educator, Workshop Host, and Speaker.

Patrick Curley is the Clinic Director at Ellie Mental Health of Woodbridge, VA

In this conversation, Dr. Jason S. Frishman, a psychologist and men's coach, shares insights on his journey into the mental health field and his role as the lead coach at Journeyman. Originally aspiring to be a neurosurgeon, Dr. Frishman shifted his focus to psychology, driven by a passion for human connections and stories. His work integrates adventure and narrative therapy, guiding fathers to navigate and reshape their personal and social stories, improve their relationships, and gain agency in their lives. Through a combination of storytelling and self-awareness, Dr. Frishman helps men connect with their values and transform their roles within their families and communities. Dr. Frishman reflects on his own experiences as a father and how they inform his coaching practice. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, intentionality, and consistent actions in building meaningful connections and navigating life's challenges. Sharing anecdotes from his personal life, Dr. Frishman illustrates how he applies his teachings in his own family, striving to embody the values he promotes. By fostering a sense of agency and connection, he empowers men to take responsibility for their growth and to be present and engaged fathers and partners. His dedication to helping men transform their lives extends beyond individual change, aiming to create a broader impact on society through connected fatherhood and healthy masculinity.

Shannon Walker, founder and CEO of Northwest Battle Buddies, discusses her remarkable journey in dog training and her dedication to supporting veterans with PTSD through service dogs. Shannon shares how her passion for dog training began over 30 years ago and evolved into a mission to help veterans. From training her first German Shepherd to building a for-profit business, Shannon's dedication and determination led her to create Northwest Battle Buddies, a nonprofit that has provided 257 service dogs to veterans, all without losing a single veteran to suicide. Throughout the conversation, Shannon reveals the impact of these service dogs on veterans’ lives, sharing emotional stories of courage, transformation, and hope. She emphasizes the ongoing need for public support, training facilities, and resources to continue their life-changing work. This interview provides a powerful look at how one person’s passion for dog training has become a vital resource for America's heroes, transforming lives and giving veterans a renewed sense of purpose and freedom.

Natasha Tracy is a highly respected speaker and writer, with over two decades of experience living with and exploring bipolar disorder. Diagnosed more than 20 years ago, Natasha shares her profound and often challenging journey with a mission to break down misconceptions and provide hope for others. Growing up with little understanding of mental health, Natasha faced numerous obstacles, from being misdiagnosed with depression to battling through ineffective treatments. It was only through perseverance and an unexpected medication discovery that she found a semblance of stability. Today, she reflects on her past struggles as she continues to navigate life with bipolar disorder, determined to inspire, educate, and help others by sharing her authentic lived experiences. Natasha's path to becoming a mental health advocate and writer was unplanned yet deeply impactful. What began as a personal outlet for her experiences turned into a widely read collection of writings that save lives and change perspectives. With more than 2,000 articles and a successful book titled Lost Marbles, she candidly addresses taboo topics, provides treatment insights, and helps empower those living with mental health conditions. As she prepares for the release of her second book, Bipolar Rules, Natasha focuses on providing practical tools and insights for living successfully with bipolar disorder. She speaks passionately about workplace mental health, hoping to foster greater understanding and eliminate the stigma faced by so many. Natasha remains committed to reaching out and connecting with individuals through her work, empowering them to face their challenges with knowledge, courage, and resilience.

Elizabeth Cerrato is a therapist at Ellie Mental Health of Woodbridge, VA

In this engaging interview, Michael VanZetta speaks with Dr. Saloni Surah, a multifaceted professional who combines her expertise in medicine, therapy, and writing to impact lives meaningfully. Dr. Surah has an impressive career background as a former HIV and sexual health physician, with experience working across the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Alongside her medical career, she is also an EMDR therapist and coach, focusing on trauma treatment and mental health, which she discusses in depth, sharing her journey with PTSD and the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Her unique career blend also includes authoring children's books that aim to challenge stereotypes, promote empowerment, and instill resilience in young readers. Throughout the interview, Dr. Surah highlights the importance of creating relatable, strong female role models in children’s literature. She introduces her latest book, Flora Investigates the Case of the Missing Gold Eggs, a detective mystery aimed at young readers. This book, infused with themes of independence and empowerment, reflects her mission to provide healthy, realistic role models. VanZetta and Dr. Surah explore how her stories convey messages of resilience, hope, and acceptance, especially for those who have experienced trauma or hardship. This conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of healing, storytelling, and the power of representation in literature for children.

Rhys Kuhl-Chapman Clinical Social Worker at Ellie Mental Health of Woodbridge, gives mental health insights and support strategies.

Max Skinner, Community Development Manager at Movember, shares insights into Movember's mission to improve men's mental health and prevent suicide.

Jessica Skobel is the Assistant Clinic Director at Eliie Mental Health Woodbridge

Saadia Ali and Jennifer Chesley are the Co-Chairs for the Lived Experience Committee at the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder

Benjamin Kintisch is the creator of “Life Review: The Hospice Musical”

Dr. Emily Guarnotta is a Psychologist & Co-Founder of Phoenix Health

Don Donnelly is the author of Navigating PANDAS: A Family's Journey to Healing and Advocacy