4:12 Connections

We welcome Morgan Pickering, a trauma specialist and certified peer counselor, to discuss the critical need for trauma-informed care within the public service system. Morgan shares her unique perspective as a first responder with lived experience, highlighting the importance of crisis intervention, harm reduction, and efforts to decriminalize mental health challenges. Morgan Pickering, a Gainesvil...

We're hanging out with Tanyel Aviles again, and this time, we're diving deep into the heart of Kennesaw! Get ready for an energetic conversation about her work, the city's unique community spirit, and the importance of fostering connections. Join us for a fun and insightful discussion. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please d...

Join us as we talk with poet Deanne Repose Oaks for a chat about turning pain into poetry, finding your voice through art, and why it's totally okay to be your weird self. We're talking adoption, dyslexia, and how creativity can help you navigate life's messy moments. Get ready for some honest talk about mental health, social struggles, and the power of finding your own unique way to express yours...

We all communicate differently, but do we truly understand how those differences impact our interactions and even our mental well-being? Join us for a conversation with Tanyel Aviles, Business Recruitment and Retention Manager for the City of Kennesaw, as we explore the fascinating world of diverse communication styles. We'll discuss how these variations can lead to misunderstandings, and how...

Let's talk about the importance of having "your people." This week, we're joined by Tina Spellman for a candid conversation about how community impacts our mental well-being. We'll discuss everything from finding your tribe to building stronger relationships. Join us for a relatable and inspiring episode!  For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a fut...

Join us on 4:12 Connections as we welcome special guest Jamese Beauford, the Women’s Business Center Director at Greater Wealth Works. In this powerful episode, we delve into the critical topics of mental health, the importance of community, and the rise of suicide rates in the post-COVID world.  Jamese shares her insights and expertise, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges we face and...

Did you know your mental health can significantly impact your physical wellbeing? On 4:12 Connections, we explore this vital connection with chiropractor Dr. Aaron Young. He shares his insights on how mental and physical health are intertwined and offers practical advice for achieving balance. Tune in for a conversation that could change the way you think about health!   For more information about...

Welcome back to Season 5 of 4:12 Connections.  It’s been quite an interesting adventure getting here and once again we are making a few changes to the format of the podcast for this season to better align with our overall goal, which is simply to make talking about mental health a less taboo subject. In today’s episode we start off the conversation with a brief history and overview of that last 4...

 In our final episode of Season 4, Pastor Larry and I continue our conversation about self-care and other strategies to survive the additional stress the holiday season often brings. Especially for those who have a strained relationship with their family or perhaps aren't able to get home to spend time with their loved ones.  For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me...

We are joined again by our 2 special guests, Jennifer Grawey and one of the film bros from the “Recently Logged” podcast Micah Grawey as we continue our conversation on the way media portrays mental illness in television and movies, both the good and the bad. Especially the way it often helps to perpetuate stigma associated with mental health and mental illness. In our last episode we started the...

One of the most common troupes in horror movies and tv show is that the villain and/or serial killer is living with a mental illness. The problem is that this helps to perpetuate stigma associated with mental health and mental illness. This month we have a 2 special guests joining us, Jennifer Grawey and one of the film bros from the “Recently Logged” podcast Micah Grawey. Together we explore the...

We are joined by local poet, Deanna Repose Oaks who I had the pleasure of a meeting at a local Open Mic night about a month ago.  She currently she has 5 published books that are available for purchase, including her latest one Don’t Go ; Stay which she is selling as part of fundraiser for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline! .  Join us as Deanna shares a little about her own story and we discuss...

This is the recorded audio from our 4th Annual Fighting the Darkness Panel Discussion.  It is far past time we started talking about mental health and suicide in open and honest discussions without the fear and stigma attached. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US affecting people of all ages.  It is currently the second leading cause of death for ages 25-34 and the third leading c...

Joining us today is Stephaine Marshall, LPC as we continue the conversation we started in the previous episode about the impact of technology on our mental health.  Not only the negative aspects but also how it can be used to improve access of care to those who may not otherwise be able to seek professional help.  Especially in our post-COVID world. If you have questions, would like more informati...

We often hear about the dangers of technology, especially for our youth, and the importance of limiting screen time.  Today Pastor Larry & I look at the progression of technology and examine the impact it has had on our personal lives and mental health. If you have questions, would like more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  ple...

Today we are joined by Tina Spellman, the principle at the Living Way Christian Academy , and we continue the conversation about the importance of mental health in the school system. If you have questions, would like more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠ .  

Traditionally, mental health has not been a priority - especially for kids. Thankfully, that is beginning to change and with each generation, and it’s starting to become more of the priority it should be. Today Pastor Larry and I talk about our experiences - especially our school experiences - in regard to bullying and how things have changed over the past 30 odd years. If you have questions, woul...

Today we get to have a candid conversation about the stigma associated with mental health in the minority cultures and ways we can all work together to try to push past it. If you have questions, would like more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠ .  

Today Pastor Larry and I discuss the similarities be racism and ableism and how both impact the stigma associated with mental health, especially in the minority communities.   If you have questions, would like more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠ .  

Words Are Hard was originally published as photo essay in January 2021, for people who deal with mental health challenges as well as their families. It was designed to help them overcome the daily stigmas regarding mental illnesses. Using pictures to illustrate my own personal journey the goal is to communicate thoughts that words are just too limited to explain. In May 2022, we started an annual...

May is Mental Health Awareness month and this will be our 3rd year presenting the Words Are Hard roundtable discussion on mental health on May 13. In this episode Pastor Larry and I discuss the upcoming event and what we hope to accomplish with it. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an e...

Back in March, I had the opportunity to speak as part of a panel on living with a disability at the Together: Ignite Conference.  Afterwards, I had several people wanted to speak with me, which is still a bit of a shock to be honest.  But one of those people is our special guest to Amanda Burgos, the mom of a million kids.  Sadly, Pastor Larry was out of town when we recorded this episode but Aman...

Over the years we have learned to talk more openly about mental health.  Today Paster Larry & I explore the importance of teaching kids mental health as a parent, or other adult role model. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us . 

Episode 5: Exploring Boundaries Today we have the pleasure of sitting down with “Podcast Pete” Kane, host of the Kennesaw Happenings Podcast we were started our conversation about the importance of boundaries and effective communication and then finished it here.   For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate...

Communication can be difficult at times.  Especially for those who have a hard time reading body language and picking up on various social cues.  Today Pastor Larry and I talk about some of the challenges that can occur when trying to communicate with others, especially when people function in the “ever always listening” mode which sometimes causes well-meaning people to provide irrelevant support...