be nice. Podcast: Conversations about Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Christy is joined by another individual who has worked in the mental health field for over 40 years, Dexter Clarke. Together, they break the myth about men in the black community not wanting to address feelings / mental health. When you create spaces where men feel comfortable, they will express their feelings -- Dexter proves this through his series of "Barbershop Talks" in Gennessee County.

In this episode, we are joined by Brittani Decess, a Licensed Professional Counselor who is Trauma Informed and EMDR trained. Britanni and Christy discuss multiple myths that surround mental health within the LGBTQ+ community. We discuss resources that can help individuals to be empowered! The be nice. Podcast is produced by WKTV Community Media.

What does it really mean to work in psychiatric nursing? Yianna Papadeas joins the be nice. podcast to share her experiences supporting individuals through some of their most challenging moments while helping break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. From forensic psychiatry to social media advocacy, Yianna discusses the power of education, empathy, and honest conversations in creating a m...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, Christy is joined by be nice. Director of Program & Expansion, Cat Lanting, for a personal conversation about growing up with parents facing mental health challenges. Cat shares openly about her experience growing up with a father living with substance use disorder and how it shaped her own mental health journey. Together, they discuss resilience, heali...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we talk with Megha Parekh of the Jacksonville Jaguars about prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Megha shares how the be nice. action plan was introduced within the Jaguars organization and reflects on the mental health impact of experiencing a traumatic workplace event. We also discuss her involvement with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we sit down with Roger Bearup, superintendent of Grandville Public Schools, to discuss how his childhood experiences shaped his mental health journey and ultimately influenced his path into education and leadership. Roger shares how those early experiences continue to inform his approach to supporting students, staff, and families, and why prioritizing ment...

Leyna Luttrull joins us to talk about mental health and the growing risks of online exploitation, including sextortion and trafficking. Drawing from lived experience and her work in education and advocacy, she shares what to watch for and how to respond. This episode focuses on awareness, prevention, and empowering people to stay safe online. The be nice. Podcast is produced by WKTV Community Medi...

In this powerful episode, Shawn Davis shares the story of his son, Brendan, and the profound journey his family has navigated since Brendan died by suicide. Through courage and honesty, Shawn reflects on the signs that can sometimes go unnoticed and the importance of education and paying attention when someone’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors change. Together, we explore how individuals, familie...

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Rachael Steil — author of Running in Silence and founder of the Running in Silence. A former All-American runner and award-winning coach, Rachael shares her lived experience with disordered eating and the culture of silence in athletics. We discuss warning signs, performance pressure, and how coaches, parents, and athletes can create healthier, more...

In this episode of the be nice. Podcast, we sit down with Eleni Sabracos, who shares her journey of navigating mental health in the fast-paced worlds of New York City and the film and entertainment industry. We explore the power of community, the role of faith, and the importance of setting boundaries. Eleni opens up about the challenges of self-discovery, including how aging and a still-developin...

On this episode of the be nice. podcast, we talk with John and Gail Urso , founders of Kevin’s Song , about how losing their son Kevin to suicide led them to take action in suicide prevention. What began as a commitment to learn and share more has grown into a mission focused on education, connection, and support for survivors. John and Gail share why they started Kevin’s Song and how their annual...

In this episode, Bella Buck—Christy’s daughter—shares what it was like growing up with be nice. From witnessing the organization’s early days to now being an integral part of the be nice. team and programs, Bella reflects on how her role has evolved over time. She also opens up about her own mental health journey, offering honest insight into growth, resilience, and the lasting impact of having th...

In this episode, we sit down with talented artist Ivan Jenson, who has discovered a powerful creative release through his art. Ivan shares how painting has become more than just a hobby—it’s a way to process emotions, find balance, and connect with his inner self. Join us as we explore the therapeutic power of creativity and the journey of turning passion into personal expression. The be nice. Pod...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast , we talk with a Grand Rapids musician who turned heartbreak into hope after losing his brother to suicide. He shares how creating his song “Finding Peace” helped him process his grief — and how his brother’s death, while painful, is an important part of the story of his life, shaping who he is and the compassion he carries forward. We explore how music can...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we sit down with Susan Meekhof to explore her powerful mental health journey and the role art has played as a protective factor in her life. Susan shares how creativity became both a refuge and a tool for resilience — and how she now uses her lived experience to educate others, spark conversations, and promote mental health awareness. Her story is a reminde...

In this episode, Brittany Midolo shares her extraordinary and painful journey, one that led to a life-changing moment in a courtroom where she was charged with the death of her husband. Unlike many stories of addiction, Brittany didn’t grow up in crisis or extreme hardship — she came from a middle-class family in a good community. Yet a series of events and decisions spiraled into a nightmare that...

Join us for a powerful conversation on the be nice. podcast with former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple , who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to break the stigma around mental illness. After losing his 15-year-old son to suicide, Eric began using his platform to promote mental fitness, resilience, and hope. His journey from professional athlete to mental health advocate remin...

Join us for a moving conversation on the be nice. podcast with Madi Klariter, who opens up about a turning point in her life: during a five-year battle with alcohol, she survived not one—but two—near-fatal comas. Rather than letting those emergencies define her, Madi used them as wake-up calls. Now in recovery and living sober, she embodies resilience, self-awareness, and the hope that real change...

What does the be nice. program look like in the workplace—and why does it matter for business? We sat down with Kristen Mazur, HR Director at Atonne Group, to explore how embracing the principles of be nice. can transform company culture, boost employee engagement, and strengthen teams. Kristen shares real-world insights on fostering respect, communication, and mental health awareness in a profess...

When Judd Efinfer lost his son, Kyler, to suicide in 2024, his world was forever changed. Rather than remain silent, Judd chose to channel his grief into advocacy—sharing Kyler’s story to spark conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in ski towns. In this episode, Judd opens up about his journey, the impact of stigma, and why creating safe spaces to talk can make all the differenc...

In this heartfelt episode of the be nice. podcast, Rachael Braginton shares her mental health journey and surviving a suicide attempt in 2018. She opens up about the subtle warning signs she now recognizes, how the be nice. action plan could have made a difference, and the tools that support her recovery today. Rachael’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of speaking openly about ment...

Former Harvard hockey goalie and mental health advocate Derek Schaedig joins us to talk about his journey from athlete to mental health advocate advocate. He reflects on his experience being diagnosed with bipolar-2 disorder and work the MHF supporting coaches and athletes. Derek will share how he continues to push for open conversations about mental health in sports. Derek also offers practical w...

In this powerful episode of the be nice. podcast, we sit down with Jenney-Ayn Gill as she shares her family's heartfelt journey following the loss of her dad to suicide. With grace and courage, Jenney-Ayn opens up about the impact of this tragedy and the steps her family has taken to honor his memory by participating in Stomp Out Stigma. Through their involvement, they are spreading awareness...

Welcome to the be nice. podcast ! In this first episode, our host and be nice. CEO, Christy Buck is joined by Director of Program & Expansion, Cat Lanting, share the story of how be nice. came to life. From its early beginnings to becoming a powerful mental health movement, they talk about the moments, people, and passion that shaped the action plan and its impact today. It’s a conversation fi...