Connectopod™

Connectopod is hosting our Community Impact Awards on Sunday, April 26, 2026, and you're invited! Visit www.connectopod.net/events to purchase tickets or make a donation. Your support makes Connectopod's work possible!

Nysha Prasad interviews mental health advocate, Mariyah Williams. They discuss the generational gap in understanding mental health, why Gen Z is more open about discussing emotional well-being, and how older generations often approached mental health differently. Together, they explore how these differences developed, the stigma that still exists, and how honest conversations can help bridge the g...

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, discusses an overview of eating disorders and goals for this series with Betsy Foldes Meiman, from Connectopod. The mission of restrictED is to open these types of conversations, help spread awareness, and take down serious stereotypes. Melissa shares her personal journey with an eating disorder, how her battle made her stronger, and how it is possible to no...

In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Shriya Mittar, a physician’s assistant and fellow Gen Z, to unpack the rising prevalence of mental health challenges among today’s youth. Together, they dive into the unique pressures young people face, the growing emphasis on mental well-being, and the powerful role social media plays in shaping self-image and stress. Tune in as we explore the realiti...

In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Dr. Daisy Gomez, a forensic and counseling psychologist dedicated to supporting high-risk communities. They discuss the impact of trauma, and stigma on mental health, as well as the importance of restorative practices in healing. Tune in as we explore how increasing resilience can transform lives and communities! Learn more about this project: https://...

In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Susanna Zoeckler, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with LAUSD's Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity Department. Together, they discuss the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, from identity struggles to navigating relationships and finding supportive communities. Tune in as we explore practical strategies for coping, healing, and...

In this episode of Mind Matters, we explore the power of art therapy in mental health with Ashley Resurreccion, an Associate Art Therapy Professional Clinical Counselor. From reducing stress to fostering self-expression, we discuss how creative outlets like painting, drawing, and sculpting can help process emotions and improve well-being. Tune in to learn how art can be a powerful tool for healing...

Host Nysha Prasad discusses teen mental health.  In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Thurayya Hernandez, Business Control Specialist and Mental Health Training lead with Bank of America. They explore the realities of stress and anxiety and discuss practical coping strategies, the importance of mindfulness, and how to navigate mental health challenges in everyday life. Learn more about th...

Host Nysha Prasad discusses teen mental health.  The wildfires in have ripped through Los Angeles communities causing traumatic destruction. Along with the physical devastation, the effects of toxic smoke, constant threat of fire spreading, and sadness for victims in our beloved city are weighing heavy on all Angelenos. For those of us lucky enough to be safe, Nysha provides coping strategies to d...

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian.   Here is  Sherry Meseid with 'Look He Wants a Hug' !

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian.   Here is  Astrid Avalos with 'How I Could Be Happy' !

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian.   Here is  Soren Vergara with 'Infinite Voices'!

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian.   Here is  Alondra Garcia with 'The Secret of Good Balance for Girls'!

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian.   Here is  Savannah Johnson with 'Both Sides'!

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian.   Here is  Beyonce Johnson with 'To Evolve'!

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian.   Here is  Ryosuke Sekoguchi with My World!

Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Chinatown Branch to visit with the Teen Council. The current Teen Council members are a mix of new members and returning members - some of whom have been organizing in their community for two or three years! Some of the council members are grandchildren of the elders that live in the SROs, making the Chinatown Oral History Project especially pe...

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Georgeanna Gaines, an individual who had to juggle multiple worlds at once: her younger sibling’s eating disorder, her senior year, transitioning to college, moving away from home, and discovering her own identity. Georgie has taken her experience in helping the voices of other siblings be raised and, through her story, shows us that a sibling’s lo...

We are back for Season 2 of CTN:UY! Producer Betsy Foldes Meiman talks with Gayle Alvarez , YDHP Resource Coordinator,  and Olga Flores , director of  Housing Services, from the Village Family Services in North Hollywood. How will Season 2 be different than season 1? Gayle Alvarez who went from participant in CTN in 2021 to Associate Producer wants to explore the journey from homeless to housed wi...

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Jennifer Mullaney, who introduces us to a newly discovered realm of eating disorder recovery. She shares the work she had done in this industry, shares her early struggle with an eating disorder, and demonstrates to us all that full recovery is indeed possible. Thank you so much for joining us!   Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 05 (link...