PiZetta Media: Podcast with a Cause

In this powerful interview, Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer at Crisis Text Line, shares her incredible journey from pediatric medicine to leading one of the most vital mental health support platforms in the world. She opens up about how personal loss, her passion for trauma-informed care, and her dedication to underserved communities led her to crisis intervention at scale. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 confidential support via text, WhatsApp, and web chat—because no one should struggle alone.Dr. Turner explains how Crisis Text Line is reaching communities in need, from students battling stress to individuals impacted by disasters like wildfires. She also shares insights on mental health trends, the dangers of doomscrolling, and the importance of setting personal boundaries for well-being. Plus, she highlights the impact of trained volunteer crisis counselors and how their support transforms lives.If you or someone you know is struggling, text HELLO or AYUDA to 741-741 for immediate, anonymous support. Help is just a text away. 💙📲 #MentalHealth #CrisisTextLine #YouAreNotAlone

Psychotherapist and performance coach Lauren Farina-Prieto, founder of Invited Psychotherapy and Coaching, shares her integrative approach to mental health and the power of values alignment in creating lasting change. She explains how mental health and physical health are deeply connected, and how metabolic health plays a critical role in brain function and emotional well-being. Lauren also dives into mind-body healing, incorporating both top-down and bottom-up methods, including breathwork, lifestyle changes, and cognitive strategies to help clients transform their lives.In this conversation, Lauren discusses the evolution of mental health awareness, how small, intentional shifts can boost confidence, and her passion for public speaking and empowering others. She also shares personal lessons from motherhood, emphasizing the importance of unconditional support in fostering self-worth and resilience. Learn more about her work at InvitedOakPark.com or follow on Instagram at @invited.llc for more insights into holistic healing and self-leadership. 🌿💡

After selling his first software company and moving to Tahoe, Mark Gogolewski found himself struggling with mental health, alcohol, and personal challenges. His journey of self-discovery led him to write How to Be Okay When You're Supposed to Be Okay, But You're Not, a book that explores resilience, self-forgiveness, and healing. In this conversation, Mark shares how writing his book and producing the documentary "Buried" became transformational experiences, helping not only himself but also his community.Mark discusses the power of shared experiences in mental health, the importance of forgiving yourself and others, and how embracing failure can lead to success. He also talks about alternative treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which helped him heal from cognitive challenges. His story serves as a reminder that every choice we make—no matter how small—shapes our journey toward healing and self-acceptance.Join us as Mark reflects on mental resilience, leadership in mental health, and the impact of helping others. If you're looking for inspiration, hope, and practical strategies to navigate your own mental health journey, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.🔗 Learn More About Mark Gogolewski:🌐 Website: MarkGogolewski.com📖 Book: How to Be Okay When You're Supposed to Be Okay, But You're Not📧 Contact: mark@markgogolewski.com

Tracy Klein’s journey to becoming an executive wellness and life coach was shaped by her family’s history of survival. As a third-generation Holocaust survivor, she grew up with the mindset of endurance and resilience. But as she stepped into adulthood, she realized she wanted more than just survival—she wanted to thrive. Through personal exploration, a career shift, and a deep dive into wellness, she discovered coaching as a way to help others break free from burnout, fear, and self-doubt.With a blend of positive psychology, health and wellness strategies, and strengths-based coaching, Tracy empowers her clients to step into their full potential. Whether guiding high-achieving professionals through career transitions or helping individuals reconnect with their physical and mental health, she offers tools to move from stagnation to growth. Her passion lies in seeing people transform, gaining confidence, setting boundaries, and truly flourishing in their personal and professional lives.Now, Tracy is on a mission to expand her impact—growing her private coaching practice, launching a women’s empowerment group, and providing more people with the tools they need to reclaim their energy and purpose. She believes that no matter how overwhelming life may seem, there is always a way forward. With the right mindset, support, and strategy, anyone can shift from merely surviving to truly thriving.

Dan Maigler, a social worker and mental health advisor for Paws for Patrick, shares his personal journey with mental health and his passion for helping others. Having faced depression, health anxiety, and significant losses, Dan understands the complexities of mental health struggles firsthand. His work with Paws for Patrick, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people with emotional support animals, highlights the powerful role pets play in providing comfort, connection, and resilience. Through his efforts, Dan helps individuals access adoption support and ESA letters, ensuring they have the companionship they need to navigate life's challenges.In addition to his clinical work, Dan hosts the Not Allowed to Die podcast, where he shares insights on mental health, therapy, and personal growth. His approach to therapy is rooted in humor, authenticity, and deep compassion, helping clients build self-esteem and resilience. As he continues his mission, Dan hopes to expand Paws for Patrick's reach and normalize the conversation around mental health and emotional support animals. Learn more at pawsforpatrick.org, connect with Dan at DMaiglerLCSW@gmail.com, and tune into his podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Dr. Craig Beach, psychiatrist and CEO of Open Mind Health, shares his journey into the mental health field and his passion for culturally affirming, integrative mental health care. His experience in diverse settings-from private practice to corrections-shaped his vision for a holistic, virtual mental health platform. Open Mind Health goes beyond traditional therapy and medication, incorporating alternative modalities like hypnotherapy, music therapy, yoga, and reiki, and offering 21 specialized wellness tracks tailored to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, military veterans, women's mental health, and more. Dr. Beach's mission is to provide accessible, personalized care while breaking the stigma around seeking mental health support.In this conversation, Dr. Beach discusses the importance of early intervention, the evolving approach to addiction treatment, and the power of therapy in building confidence and resilience. He emphasizes that mental health is as crucial as physical health and encourages people to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Through Open Mind Health, he hopes to help individuals become their best, most authentic selves by offering proactive and empowering mental health solutions. Learn more or book an appointment at openmindhealth.com or call 1-855-550-6463.

Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, co-founders of The Caregiver's Journey https://thecaregiversjourney.com/, share their deeply personal experiences as longtime dementia family caregivers and their mission to provide practical support to others navigating similar challenges. With over 25 years of caregiving experience each, they both struggled to find the guidance they needed and decided to create a platform to help others learn faster, feel more confident, and find balance in their caregiving journey. Through The Caregiver's Journey Podcast, they provide practical tips, candid conversations, and real-life stories that address the everyday struggles of dementia caregivers, from bathing and dressing to navigating emotional and logistical challenges. Their mission is to make dementia caregiving easier by offering resources in multiple formats-podcasts, blogs, workshops, and books-so caregivers can access information in the way that suits them best. Now a nonprofit organization, The Caregiver's Journey aims to expand globally, ensuring that no caregiver has to feel alone or start from scratch. With a strong emphasis on building a support system, setting boundaries, and taking care of oneself, Nancy and Sue are dedicated to equipping caregivers with the knowledge, confidence, and community they need to provide the best possible care for their loved ones. Learn more at TheCaregiversJourney.com or connect with them on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Facebook, and Instagram.

Andrew DeGood, CEO and co-founder of AskBob AI, opens up about his journey with Bipolar 2, the struggles of being undiagnosed for years, and how discovering the right treatment transformed his life. He shares his experience of coming out publicly about his diagnosis in 2021, the overwhelming support he received, and how embracing his mental health has become a superpower in business and leadership. Andrew discusses the importance of lifestyle choices, from exercise and cold plunges to structured daily routines, and how they help him maintain balance while leading multiple companies.Beyond AI and entrepreneurship, Andrew is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, especially in the workplace and for men seeking emotional support. He talks about Iron Tribe, a growing men's group designed to foster connection and open conversations, and his efforts to mentor young entrepreneurs through business coaching and high school programs. If you're interested in mental health in leadership, entrepreneurship, or AI-driven solutions, connect with Andrew DeGood on LinkedIn to follow his journey and learn more. 💡🚀 #MentalHealthMatters #Entrepreneurship #BipolarSuperpower

In this inspiring interview, Kirsy Chanel Espejo, founder of Kind Wholeness, shares her journey from a career in corporate finance to creating a nonprofit dedicated to holistic wellness education. Drawing from over 20 years of professional experience, Kirsy reflects on the universal challenges of stress, burnout, and lack of purpose that affect individuals across all walks of life. Kind Wholeness aims to address these struggles by offering free programs that focus on emotional intelligence, self-care, time management, and nurturing the next generation's well-being. With an emphasis on balancing the demands of modern life, Kirsy provides actionable insights for fostering a healthier, more intentional lifestyle.From teaching people to embrace the small yet impactful changes in daily routines to helping communities prioritize wellness, Kirsy's mission is both personal and transformative. She opens up about the importance of finding purpose, managing negative self-talk, and breaking free from the societal pressures that prioritize productivity over well-being. This interview is a must-watch for anyone seeking practical advice on integrating wellness into their lives and creating a ripple effect of positivity within their families, workplaces, and communities. Learn more about Kind Wholeness and its impactful work by visiting KindWholeness.com.

Scott Clary, host of the Success Story Podcast, shares his journey of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the power of learning from others’ experiences. In this episode, Scott explains why he started the podcast and how it has become a platform for amplifying the voices of industry leaders. He discusses the importance of building a personal brand, removing friction from career growth, and how storytelling can open unexpected doors. Scott also dives into mental health strategies, the lessons he's learned from interviewing top entrepreneurs, and his vision for the future of the Success Story Podcast. Whether you're looking for inspiration, business advice, or motivation to start your own journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in now! 🎙️ #SuccessStoryPodcast #ScottClary #Entrepreneurship

Abbie Rosenberg, founder and executive director of Mental Health Collaborative, shares her powerful journey from psychiatric nurse practitioner to mental health advocate. After the tragic loss of a former patient to suicide, she turned her grief into action by creating a nonprofit dedicated to mental health literacy. In this conversation, Abbie discusses the critical role of early education, breaking down stigma, and equipping people with the tools they need to manage their mental well-being. Through schools, workplaces, and community organizations, Mental Health Collaborative is working to ensure that mental health education is accessible to all. Abbie explains why waiting years for treatment is not an option and how proactive education can be life-changing. Tune in to hear her insights and learn how you can support this essential mission. Follow Mental Health Collaborative and learn more at mentalhealthcollaborative.org.

Dr. Joe Oravecz, Ph.D., has spent over 30 years in higher education, leading student life and counseling services, but his personal journey led him to become a passionate mental health advocate. As the CEO of NAMI Broward County, Dr. Oravecz is dedicated to reshaping mental health conversations in education and the workplace, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being. From witnessing the mental health struggles of students during COVID-19 to recognizing the urgent need for employee mental health support, he now works to break the stigma and create actionable change. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Oravecz discusses the growing openness of younger generations to mental health conversations, the need for companies to adapt to this cultural shift, and the critical role of lived experience in advocacy. He also shares his personal experiences as a foster adoptive parent, his own mental health challenges, and his mission to integrate well-being into corporate culture. If you're interested in learning more about his work, visit joeoravecz.com and join the movement to prioritize mental health in every space.

Brandon Saho, former sports reporter and founder of The Mental Game, opens up about his battle with mental health, from experiencing suicidal thoughts at 14 to hitting rock bottom while living his dream as an NFL sports journalist. After checking himself into a mental health facility, Brandon found a new purpose—combining journalism with mental health advocacy to create The Mental Game, a platform where athletes, celebrities, and everyday people share their struggles and triumphs. Now on a nationwide speaking tour, Brandon is using his story to create safe spaces for open conversations about mental health. From high school students to corporate executives, he’s showing that vulnerability is a strength and that no one has to struggle alone. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey and how The Mental Game is helping change lives across the country.

In this deeply personal and inspiring interview, author Tina Djuretic shares her profound mental health journey, shaped by a childhood marked by abuse, trauma, and a strict religious upbringing. Tina opens up about how these early experiences influenced her relationships, leading her to a breaking point that sparked a powerful spiritual awakening. Her candid reflections reveal the impact of generational trauma, the patterns of attraction to narcissistic relationships, and the difficult path to self-discovery and healing. Through writing her memoir, Finding My Sovereignty, and creating an actionable workbook to guide others, Tina has turned her pain into purpose. In this episode, she shares how writing became a transformative tool for her own healing, the importance of forgiveness, and why daily practices like meditation and grounding are essential for recovery. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health challenges or seeking inspiration, Tina’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to break free, heal, and rediscover self-love. Watch now and be inspired!

In this heartfelt conversation, Bruce Schutter shares his incredible journey from struggling with bipolar disorder, alcoholism, anxiety, and PTSD to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. Bruce opens up about his experiences starting as a high school EMT, battling inner turmoil, and enduring decades of emotional challenges before finding clarity at 40. His "aha" moment of diagnosis became a catalyst for change, inspiring him to create the Mental Health Warrior Program. This innovative initiative empowers individuals to confront life’s challenges head-on, offering tools, strategies, and a warrior mindset to navigate mental health every day. Bruce’s passion shines as he explains how his program integrates practical lifestyle changes, mindset rules, and resources like the Mental Health Warrior books and the symbolic Warrior Challenge Coin. With every story and tool, he brings hope to those battling mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of embracing emotions and reclaiming life. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, or simply the reassurance that you're not alone, this discussion is a powerful reminder that resilience and growth are possible for everyone. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bruceschutter_mhw Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BruceSchutterMHW/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bruceschuttermhw/?viewAsMember=true Twitter - https://twitter.com/Bruce_MHW TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bruce_mhw Threads - https://www.threads.net/search?q=bruceschutter_mhw%20&serp_type=default Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/bruceschutter-mhw.bsky.social YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-sFpgky6pry7fb1QV2cYzg Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/MHWNewsletter

Seti Babaeian, BS is the Intake office coordinator at GMU Center for Community Mental Health

Susie Reece, founder and executive director specializing in suicide prevention, opens up about her personal journey through grief, loss, and major depressive disorder. From losing her father at a young age to navigating the complexities of her own mental health, Susie shares how these experiences shaped her understanding of humanity and her mission to bring mental health resources to those who need them most. Her advocacy focuses on empowering individuals with lived experiences and ensuring their voices are integral to creating impactful mental health solutions. In this inspiring conversation with Michael VanZetta, Susie discusses the importance of connection, the power of sharing personal stories, and the critical need for inclusive mental health practices. Together, they explore the challenges of reducing stigma, the value of strong support systems, and the transformative potential of listening to and learning from those who have walked similar paths. Susie’s dedication to creating a future where mental health conversations are normalized shines through in every word.

Meet Scott H. Silverman, CEO of Confidential Recovery, founder of the Veterans Navigation Center, and a passionate crisis coach and author. Scott shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction, navigating mental health challenges, and achieving 40 years of sobriety. From battling substance use disorder to becoming a leader in recovery and veteran support, Scott's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of helping others. Scott discusses the founding of his organizations, which focus on empowering individuals through recovery, workforce reintegration, and holistic support systems. He highlights the importance of lived experience in creating trust and lasting impact, especially for veterans and underserved communities. Scott’s work is dedicated to breaking cycles of dependency and providing tools for self-sufficiency, proving that with the right support, people can rebuild their lives. For more information, visit yourcrisiscoach.com or contact Scott directly at 619-993-2738.

Tim Markle, founder and director of The Forgiveness Factor, shares his deeply personal journey through mental health challenges, addiction, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Struggling with depression, anxiety, and unresolved anger, Tim turned to his faith and science to uncover the healing potential of forgiveness. Through his research and lived experience, he developed a program that bridges the gap between spiritual principles and scientific evidence, empowering others to forgive and find freedom in an unforgiving world. In this insightful conversation with Michael VanZetta, Tim discusses how forgiveness has profoundly impacted his own healing process, particularly in reconciling with his father. He also explains practical steps to forgive, the importance of self-forgiveness, and how forgiveness can positively ripple through relationships and communities. Tim’s mission is to make forgiveness a widely understood and practiced tool for mental health and personal growth, leaving viewers with powerful takeaways to navigate their own journeys. Learn more about his work and resources at forgivenessfactor.org.

Meet Myles Metkowski, the founder and executive director of M2H Mental Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. Myles shares his personal journey of overcoming loneliness and depression during his college years, which inspired him to create a platform for men who may not have a support system to talk about their struggles. Launched in March 2024, M2H Mental Health offers a free online chat service, providing a safe and anonymous space for men to connect, share, and support one another. Myles emphasizes the importance of fitness, faith, and open conversations in maintaining mental health, and he is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding men’s emotional well-being. Myles envisions M2H Mental Health growing into a nationwide resource, with thousands of men connecting through its services to build a supportive and empowering community. From online chats to future video calls and in-person events, Myles aims to create an accessible and impactful platform for men to find guidance and camaraderie. Learn more about M2H Mental Health by visiting www.m2hmentalhealth.com or following them on social media at @M2H Mental Health. Together, let’s normalize the conversation about men’s mental health and provide the tools to thrive.