Hear Me See Me

The Menninger Clinic broke new ground in psychiatric care when it was founded 100 years ago in Topeka, Kan. Now based in Houston, current CEO Armando Colombo sat down with former CEO Dr. Walt Menninger, whose father, uncle and grandfather founded the clinic. Hear what they say about the history of mental health care, its present state, and where we go from here.

We often let you know that the 988 Lifeline is there 24/7 if you need help. But what happens when you call the number? And who should call? Jared Auten, crisis communications manager with HealthSource, takes us through it step by step, and reveals the very personal motivation behind his work.

AJ Wilkerson firmly believes laughter is the best medicine, and experiencing joy with others is part of the healing. AJ lives with autism, social anxiety, ADHD and depressive tendencies. In this candid interview, he discusses his later-in-life diagnosis, and how getting out of his comfort zone to do standup comedy helps him cope. Check out AJ's comedy and upcoming shows

What law enforcement and first responders see on the job will change how they view the world. That's why Tony Mattivi said he worked to ensure mental wellness programs remained a priority when he stepped in as director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.  In this conversation, he shares the surprising revelation he experienced in implementing one new measure - and he brings along a special gues...

Food can feed our bodies, minds and souls. Chef Adam VanDonge, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist and owner of The White Linen in downtown Topeka, uses creating and serving food as an outlet for his mental health . In this conversation, he shares how he copes with anxiety and depression, and how he's learned to put social media in proper perspective. wibw.com/hearmeseeme  

You likely spend more waking hours with your co-workers than you do with your family. In this candid conversation, Cody Foster, co-founder of Topeka-based Advisors Excel, shares what led him to make mental health support a priority in his workplace, the surprising lessons he's learned, and why it makes sense - as a human and as a business person.     

You've heard of CPR and direct pressure for physical first aid response, but what about becoming a first responder for mental health?   Mikki Burcher with Topeka's Valeo Behavioral Health shares the basics of Mental Health First Aid, and why the personal reason she's so passionate about sharing the knowledge.

Do you know "The Sigh?!" Ariel Ludwig, outpatient services manger for Valeo Behavioral Health in Topeka, Kan., explores why the holiday season brings up so many emotions, how we can cope with them, and why it's normal to get in our feelings once in a while. Take a deep breath - you'll be glad you took time for this!

His humorous social media posts are sprinkled with serious offers of a listening ear and a fancy sparkling water. They're born from experiences on the job as a law enforcement officer, and on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this episode, Marine Corps veteran and Wabaunsee Co., Kan. undersheriff Eric Kirsch reveals the personal struggles that shaped his personal mission to help others overco...

Melissa Owen's sister loved lighthouses. When she died by suicide, Melissa wanted to offer others a light in the darkness through Beacon for Hope. In this conversation, Melissa shares her journey to founding the suicide prevention organization and how they work to connect people with resources addressing issues that might lead to mental health struggles.

If parents' love could stop bad things from happening, John 'The Iron Man' Cantrell said he had ten times more than he needed. But it wasn't enough to keep mental illness from leading him down a path of addiction, prison, even attempting to take his own life.  In this conversation, the boxing champ gets raw about his story, and why he feels obligated to share it - so others know they're not alone.

Brail Watson is a classically-trained musician, a rapper and a pastor. His latest album is focused on mental health - it even debuted with a youth mental health awareness event. In this candid conversation, Brail shares how his upbringing shaped his mental health journey, how music is an outlet, and how his own experiences with racism - and a conversation with a friend - caused him to rethink his...

Rachel Holthaus survived a devastating accident that she'll now tell you was no accident. Her journey through mental health struggles, to cries for help, to -now- dealing in hope is inspiring.

Struggling with mental health issues as a pre-teen, Alicia Strube felt alone and isolated. It all changed when she started what would grow to be one of the largest mental health support groups on Facebook.

Yes, THAT Melissa Etheridge! The Leavenworth, Kan. native shares about her new docu-series and music recorded at Topeka Correctional Facility. The conversation touches on trauma, second chances, lessons learned, and finding joy.

Our bodies and our lifestyles change as we get older - whether we want it to happen or not! And that can take a toll on our mental health. Author and speaker Connie Michaelis shares lessons learned from her career working in adult care, as well as her own aging journey.

On Jan. 19, 2021, Damon Quigley asked his mom to bring home his favorite snacks, told her he loved her, then, later that day, took his own life. He was just 13-years-old.  In this candid conversation, his mom Brenda shares how the family has turned their pain into purpose. Hear why they decided to be open about their story - and what she would tell Damon, if she'd had the chance.

Tevyn Harmon has become a social media sensation, spreading peace and love, and sharing the positive spin on his hometown of Topeka, Kan. Tevyn also is raising awareness of mental health. Take a listen to his journey, and what everyone can learn from it.

Stacey Lyddon said art is her self-healing superpower. The discovery helped her rebuild her life, but the journey started with childhood trauma that led her through a cycle of addiction, homelessness and legal trouble.

Licensed social worker and counselor Phelica Glass is known for her positive, motivating aura.  But she says it's a choice she makes every day. She shares her journey and lessons learned in this candid conversation.

A special Mental Health Awareness Month edition of Eye on NE Kansas focused on WIBW's "Hear me. See me." campaign.

The Menninger family changed the way many people viewed and approached mental health issues when Drs. William, Karl and C.F. founded the Menninger Clinic in 1925 in Topeka, Kan. William's son, Dr. Walt, remains in Topeka today, where he's enjoyed something of a renaissance, especially among younger generations. In this exclusive conversation for WIBW's Hear me. See me. campaign, Dr. Walt talks abo...

Damon Parker seemed on top of the world: the high school wrestling teams he coached just won state titles, his infectious personality won over all he met. But then, a colleague of his wife's took his own life, and Damon came face to face with his own demons. In this open and frank conversation, Damon shares his mental health struggles, what it took for him to come forward, and how he spreads the m...

Kenisha Morton, LMSW and Angel Patterson-Tetuan, APRN are mental health providers in Topeka, Kan. Both are Black women who advocate for overcoming barriers to accessing mental health care, whether they be systemic or cultural.

Hear me. See me. is a project of WIBW-TV designed to raise awareness of mental health and the issues surrounding it. Part of the effort is to give voice to people to share their stories. S.J. Hazim is a community advocate and activator, enterpreneur, musician and more. In this conversation with host Melissa Brunner, S.J. shares the more personal backstory that's led to where he is today, and how i...