4:12 Connections

Today we are joined by a very special guest, Kathy Lathem from Cobb Senior Services.  In this episode we talk about the importance of community and the services available for the “Senior” population in Cobb County, Georgia while also working to debunk some of the myths and stigma surrounding aging and the senior community in general. If you would like to get more information about the services pro...

According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), the 4 major dimensions of recovery are health, home, purpose and community.  In today’s episode Pastor Larry and I focus on the importance community and finding a sense of purpose and how the impact our mental health.  For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future...

We all experience obstacles and challenges in life and sometimes those come with a setbacks that can detail our progress.  In this episode we talk about the importance of managing expectations of ourselves and others and how it impacts our mental health. 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 m...

 In our final episode of Season 3, 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...

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. For more information about the Gree...

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 t...

For those who weren't able to join us on September 13, 2023 for the Fighting the Darkness Panel Discussion on Suicide Prevention and awareness here is the video of the live event that was recorded at The Venue on Main in Kennesaw, GA.   The goal of this in-person event was and is to shed light on the importance of mental health and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Our panel of experts...

We all have our own breaking point, that place where life becomes overwhelming and may have trouble coping. For some, myself included, the use of unhealthy coping skills such as self-harm in an attempt to regain a sense of control or to numb the pain. All too often it can also lead to suicidal ideation and attempts when you no longer see a way out.    It's far past the time we start talking ab...

Today we are joined by 2 amazing guests from the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department.  Join us as we have a conversation about some of the amazing programs they offer, way to get involved in the community and how doing so helps not only the community but ourselves as well. For more information about the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department be sure to follow them on Facebook or Instagr...

Community service and recreation and both great ways to build connections to your community.  In this episode we discuss how serving others helps with our mental health and the benefits of recreation to our overall health. 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 .  

Join is and our special guest Brandon Nichols, the lead pastor at Mercy Hill Church, as we continue our conversation about the connection between mental health and spirituality.  We explore the role of the church and how it can help create a sense of community and also ways that the church can better assist those who are struggling. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like...

Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there is evidence to show that religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on our health.  In this episode we explore how the church and mental health are connected and can provide a sense of community that has helped in my own personal journey. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode...

Episode 11- Together We Care  Navigating through life with a disability can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to finding community resources.  Our special guest Jillian Palmiotto, the founder and executive director for Together We Care shares with us some of her experiences working in the system and provides.  To learn more about Together We Care and the services they provide be s...

Humans are hardwired to live in community but there are times when connecting with others can be difficult.  In this episode explore how the importance of connection and the difficulties some have in finding their place of belonging.  Especially in our post-pandemic lives. 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...

According to the CDC, more than 50% of people will be diagnosed with some type of mental illness or disorder in their lifetime. The also state that 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental illness in a given year and 1 in 25 of adults are living with a significant mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder. ( CDC Stats )    Words Are is based on the photo es...

It is important that we all learn to recognize that while mental health and mental illness are two sides of the same coin the terms are not interchangeable.  In today’s episode we are joined by our special guest, Dr. Cris Eaton Welsh, and have a conversation about the importance of mental health in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd...

Whether it’s appreciating the displayed works in a gallery exhibit or participating in community theater, art has the ability to connect us to one another in a variety of ways.  In today’s episode we are joined by one of the members of the Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission, Robin Thornhill, who discusses the role art has played in her own life. To learn more about the Kennesaw Art and Culture Co...

Long before I was comfortable expressing myself with words I learned how to share my thoughts and feelings through art.  In this episode Pastor Larry & I discuss how art and creativity connect to our mental health. 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- Role of Supportive Employment Often times people with disabilities find it more difficult to find employment because they are often dismissed. There also tends to be the misconception that someone who is living with a development disability or mental health condition is incapable of being productive and an asset to employers. Today we sit down with Linda Jones, a Career Specialist with...

Often times employment can provide us with a way to feel like a contributing member of society, especially for those of us living with a disability. In this episode Pastor Larry & I discuss the connection between mental health and employment and the importance of finding our purpose. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please...

Most people recognize the importance of taking care of our bodies but maintaining both is necessary for our overall health as often one has an impact on the other. Today we are joined by Brandon Browne, LPC, and Katherine Taylor, M.D. from Mind & Body Christian Health Group as we continue our conversation about the connection between mental and physical health importance taking care of our bod...

Often times people remember to take care of their physical health while ignoring their mental health without recognizing how the two work together. In this episode Pastor Larry & I cover the basics of how they affect one another in preparation for our next episode when we will have a special guest from Mind & Body Christian Health to continue the conversation. For more information about the Green...

Welcome to Season 3 of the podcast formerly known as MY Look At Recovery. With the new year Pastor Larry & I decided to make a few changes to better reflect the overall goal of this podcast which is to help people gain a better understanding of mental health, recovery and the importance of connecting with others. In this episode we talk a little about the reasons behind the name change and exp...

In our final episode of Season 2, 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 a...

People tend to think that self-care is about pampering or treating yourself to things. But it’s more than that. Self-care is an important part of our overall wellbeing. In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and I define what self-care is, explore the different types, and explain why it’s important. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episo...