The Mindful Mic

Mental health affects more people than we realize—and student-athletes are no exception. Former Boise State Student-Athlete, Emerging Professional Beach Volleyball Player & Mental Health Advocate Allyson Alden joins The Mindful Mic to share her personal journey through anxiety, depression, injury, and resilience.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , hosts Colbi Twiss and Grace Shimatsu welcome Shari Baber, founder of Brown Like Me and director of the Boise Soul Food Festival. Shari shares her personal story, the inspiration behind Brown Like Me, and how one child's experience led to the creation of a program that helps children and families build community, connection, and a sense of belonging. Together, t...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , hosts Colbi Twiss and Grace Shimatsu sit down with the Children's Home psychologist Leah Gallant to talk about something every parent should understand — concussions. While often associated with sports, concussions can happen in everyday situations like bike rides, playground accidents, or even a simple fall at home. Leah shares her expertise on how to recogniz...

Join Chad Dunn as he shares his transformative journey from BMX athlete to a life of drugs and crime, through prison, and ultimately to redemption as an entrepreneur and mentor. Discover how personal accountability, resilience, and the power of choices led him to build a new life, founding Move Human Performance Center and inspiring others. This episode delves into themes of self-identity, discipl...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we’re joined by Mary Irby , Director of Operations at Freedom Youth Foundation , for a powerful conversation about the realities foster youth face and the impact that consistency, community, and caring adults can have in their lives. Mary shares what it’s like working alongside foster kids, the challenges they navigate, and the moments that remind her why this...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO of Camp Rainbow Gold , to explore the emotional and mental-health journey families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Elizabeth shares how Camp Rainbow Gold goes beyond medical care—creating safe, joyful spaces where children, siblings, and parents can reconnect, heal, and feel less alone. We discuss the power of...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO of Camp Rainbow Gold , to explore the emotional and mental-health journey families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Elizabeth shares how Camp Rainbow Gold goes beyond medical care—creating safe, joyful spaces where children, siblings, and parents can reconnect, heal, and feel less alone. We discuss the power of...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Jason Shanks , district leader overseeing Hope Squads, and Michelle Weickum, LMSW , School Social Worker at Riverglen Jr. High. Together, they share how Hope Squad empowers students to notice warning signs, reach out to peers, and build a culture of connection and compassion in their schools. We explore what it looks like when youth are trusted...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , out December 3rd , we sit down with Jason Shanks , district leader overseeing Hope Squads, and Michelle Weickum, LMSW , School Social Worker at Riverglen Jr. High. Together, they share how Hope Squad empowers students to notice warning signs, reach out to peers, and build a culture of connection and compassion in their schools. We explore what it looks like whe...

In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Scantling , breast cancer survivor and founder of Flock Cancer Idaho , and Carrie Panzer Epley, LCSW , a therapist who specializes in cancer grief, and embodiment therapy. Together, they share a heartfelt conversation about navigating life after diagnosis, the emotional side of survivorship, and how healing grows stronger when we come together as a communit...

In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Scantling , breast cancer survivor and founder of Flock Cancer Idaho , and Carrie Panzer Epley, LCSW , a therapist who specializes in cancer grief, and embodiment therapy. Together, they share a heartfelt conversation about navigating life after diagnosis, the emotional side of survivorship, and how healing grows stronger when we come together as a communit...

In this inspiring episode of The Mindful Mic , we meet Abi Franklin , a Boise high-school student who turned compassion into community impact. As the director of Idaho Homelessness Impact , Abi is proving that leadership has no age limit. Together, we explore how youth leadership, empathy, and purpose come together to make meaningful change—especially in the fight against homelessness and the chal...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Kelly Eisenbarger, LMSW , Interim Executive Director of Boise Hive — a nonprofit creating a safe, sober, and supportive space for Boise’s music and arts community. Boise Hive isn’t just a rehearsal or recording space — it’s a lifeline. Through free and low-cost counseling, peer support groups, and creative programming, the Hive helps musicians...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Kelly Eisenbarger, LMSW , Interim Executive Director of Boise Hive — a nonprofit creating a safe, sober, and supportive space for Boise’s music and arts community. Boise Hive isn’t just a rehearsal or recording space — it’s a lifeline. Through free and low-cost counseling, peer support groups, and creative programming, the Hive helps musicians...

Professional skier, filmmaker, and public speaker Drew Petersen opens up about his journey from suicidal depression to resilience and hope. In this conversation, Drew shares the story behind his new documentary Feel It All , which intertwines skiing Colorado’s highest peaks with running the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon. We also explore his mission to shift the culture around mental health in...

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. Professional skier, filmmaker, and mental health advocate Drew Petersen joins The Mindful Mic to share his powerful journey from suicidal depression to resilience and hope. We talk about his fim Feel It All , which chronicles his experience skiing Colorado’s peaks and running the Leadville Trail 100, and his mission to...

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. In this special episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Jake Stockton , founder of Stay; and Play and the Continuation Project , created in honor of his son, Kade Parrish . Jake shares how he transformed unimaginable grief into a movement of hope—raising awareness, and creating safe spaces for honest conversation...

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. In this special episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Jake Stockton , founder of Stay; and Play and the Continuation Project , created in honor of his son, Kade Parrish . Jake shares how he transformed unimaginable grief into a movement of hope—raising awareness, and creating safe spaces for honest conversation...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Amy Grace, LMFT—licensed therapist, founder of Imagine That Farm, and co-founder of Warm Springs Care Farm—to explore the deeply grounding power of nature-based and animal-assisted therapy. Amy shares how working with animals, tending to gardens, and connecting with the rhythms of nature can reduce stress, build resilience, and support emotiona...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Amy Grace, LMFT—licensed therapist, founder of Imagine That Farm, and co-founder of Warm Springs Care Farm—to explore the deeply grounding power of nature-based and animal-assisted therapy. Amy shares how working with animals, tending to gardens, and connecting with the rhythms of nature can reduce stress, build resilience, and support emotiona...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Angela Sanchez from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho to explore the transformative power of mentorship. Angela shares her own journey, the impactful programs BBBS offers, and why one-to-one connections between mentors and youth are more important than ever. We dive into how these relationships nurture confidence, resilience, and ment...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Angela Sanchez from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho to explore the transformative power of mentorship. Angela shares her own journey, the impactful programs BBBS offers, and why one-to-one connections between mentors and youth are more important than ever. We dive into how these relationships nurture confidence, resilience, and ment...

In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month, this episode of The Mindful Mic shines a light on the unique mental health experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color—and the critical role that school-based counseling plays in supporting them. We’re joined by Krysti Garcia-Dunn, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) —a dedicated clinician with Children’s Home Counseling Services who provides menta...

In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month, this episode of The Mindful Mic shines a light on the unique mental health experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color—and the critical role that school-based counseling plays in supporting them. We’re joined by Krysti Garcia-Dunn, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) —a dedicated clinician with Children’s Home Counseling Services who provides menta...

In this episode of The Mindful Mic , we sit down with Alison Evaro, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Treasure Valley. We talk about how Girls on the Run empowers young girls through programs that build confidence, connection, and emotional resilience. As you’ll hear, it’s not just about running—it’s about creating safe, supportive spaces where girls can thrive, inside and out.