Normalize It Forward

Touring life is often viewed through a lens of glamour, but the reality involves a grueling mental and physical balancing act. Developing true resilience in music requires grit, a disciplined routine, and the courage to chase the unknown even when the path is unclear. In this episode, we sit down with Jay Nazz , the longtime drummer for the acclaimed country Americana band Reckless Kelly . We expl...

Human performance is often associated with pressure. People are pushed to their limits just to achieve the best results. Although such a challenge stretches you to do whatever it takes to succeed, you may also be putting your own well-being at risk. Marc Lehman sits down with Kyle Stark , former Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who shares his...

The silent battle of shame and secrecy behind high-functioning addiction is exposed as Emmy-award-winning journalist and podcast host of The Tangle , Kyle Ridley , sits down to share his truth. Joining host Marc Lehman, Kyle reveals how his bulimia—a struggle often compounded by the stigma against men being vulnerable—consumed his twenties and made him a prisoner in his own home. He walks listener...

Retired Fire Captain Dave Shenbaum is a community connector known for his deep roots and commitment to others, forged through 30 years of public service in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, including the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. In this powerful conversation, Dave brings a grounded, real-world perspective to mental health, purpose, and perseverance. From navigating the challenge of...

Mental health and music go hand in hand since most artists pour the contents of their hearts and minds into their songs. This is exactly what Canadian singer-songwriter and pop artist  Jordyn Sugar  is doing through her empowered pop music. Joining Marc Lehman, she discusses her creativity, confidence, and what it means to normalize inner work, especially among young people. Jordyn also...

Communication and connection are often the first things to erode when life gets busy, yet they are the very foundation of strong teams, healthy families, and personal well-being.  Steve Shenbaum  brings decades of experience working with athletes, leaders, and organizations to explore how trust is built through small, consistent actions rather than big moments. As the conversation unfold...

Vince Benevento  of  Causeway Collaborative  believes the conventional approach to supporting young men’s mental health is fundamentally flawed. Statistics show that 80% to 90% of boys who need help aren’t getting it. Whether they’re dealing with substance use issues, college academic probation, or just feeling “stuck,” many young men resist being dragged along to therapy. In this p...

Welcome to a powerful conversation on mental health and wellness with Elizabeth "Ellie" Haney, the visionary founder of Here For You . Born from her own journey through emotional struggles and a feeling of profound isolation, Here For You is more than just a clothing brand—it's a mission to normalize candid conversations about mental health through fashion, community, and support. In this deeply h...

The path to healing from post-traumatic stress requires bravery, honesty, and a willingness to share your story.  Bob Delaney ‘s life truly reads like a movie script: he’s a former New Jersey State Trooper who spent three years undercover infiltrating the mob, and later became one of the NBA’s most respected referees, officiating over 1,500 games. His extraordinary journey has made him a lead...

Men’s mental health takes center stage as we hear a story of turning pain into purpose. Marc Lehman welcomes identical twins, fitness coaches, and mental health advocates  Jake and Joe Sharp , who turned the tragedy of losing their younger brother Sam to suicide into a powerful mission to help others heal. They speak with incredible honesty about the impact of grief, the darkness of depressio...

The true strength in men’s mental health isn’t toughing it out, but taking off the mask and choosing to fight another day. Marc Lehman sits down with former athlete turned passionate mental health advocate and founder of  Unbeaten ,  Dean Daniel , who shares his raw and incredibly powerful journey through chronic pain, eight spinal surgeries, and multiple suicide attempts. As a proud amb...

Navigating the complicated landscape of adolescent mental health requires empathy, support, and an open conversation. Marc Lehman welcomes  Jill Weinstein , an LPC, mental health professional, and Clinical Director of  Ignite , an adolescent mental health program at the Berman Center in Atlanta, who shares her insights from over 20 years of experience. The conversation explores the “big...

Rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens and young adults aren’t just statistics—they’re real stories playing out in families every day.  Dr. Mariela Podolski , a Connecticut-based child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, joins host Marc Lehman to explore the forces behind this trend and what parents, students, and communities can do about it. With more than 20 years of clinical e...

Body image and eating disorders aren’t just clinical issues; they’re lived realities shaped by culture, technology, and family life. Drawing on nearly 25 years in private practice, licensed clinical psychologist  Dr. Emily Gordon  explores how perfectionism, social media, and comparison culture amplify these struggles — and how parents can support teens and young adults without adding to...

Suicide loss support takes on a deeply human dimension in this conversation with  Greg Kligman . He opens up about a decade on crisis lines and in survivor groups, explaining how empathy and presence help families carry the weight of traumatic loss. Listeners hear about the Survivor Support Program, why stigma and shame surround suicide, and how simple outreach can ease crushing isolation. Gr...

Daily practice is the foundation  Scott Simons  uses to transform health, mindset and leadership, and he believes it’s the most overlooked key to resilience. In this candid conversation, the professional speaker, wellness strategist and purpose-driven entrepreneur shares how a mentor helped him turn addiction into a life of service and how starting health instead of only stopping bad hab...

Ever wondered how personal tragedy can ignite a powerful movement for change? Join us as we welcome  Jake Miskin , the visionary screenwriter and producer behind the critically acclaimed film, Shattered Ice. Inspired by the heartbreaking loss of classmates to suicide during his own youth, Jake channeled his grief into a compelling narrative that tackles the unspoken complexities of mental hea...

Ever wondered what it really takes to face your deepest mental health struggles head-on and emerge stronger? Tune in for a powerfully honest conversation with  Brian Talarczyk , author of  I Am Not Bipolar . Brian shares his personal battle with mental illness, offering crucial insights on the importance of seeking help, navigating psychotic episodes, and reframing stress as a sign of gr...

What happens when raw musical talent meets relentless entrepreneurial drive? You get  Shi Eubank . This week, we’re thrilled to feature the multi-faceted country rock artist who’s not only captivating audiences with his unique sound but also inspiring with his incredible life story. From his early days fronting Savage After Midnight to building eleven roofing companies and a sunglasses brand,...

Fostering human connection and hope within schools is a vital step in addressing youth mental health. In this insightful episode, we delve into this critical topic with  Greg Hudnall Jr. , CEO of  Hope Squad . We learn about Hope Squad’s innovative approach to empowering students to become active listeners and supportive peers, helping to normalize conversations around mental health and...

Redefining aging is about sparking joy and embracing every moment with infectious enthusiasm! This episode shines with the vibrant energy of  Esther Brzezinski , a multi-talented actor, voiceover artist, and digital creator who’s showing the world that “Age is not my cage!” Hailing from Montreal, Esther’s got a booming online community—over 150,000 on TikTok and 110,000 on Instagram—all drawn...

Mental health and wellness are more than buzzwords; they’re the very foundation of a life lived fully and joyfully. In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, we journey into the core of well-being with  Monica Wizinski , a masterful professional coach who’s made it her mission to help people reconnect with their authentic selves. With her deep expertise in conflict resolution and a remarka...

Many teenagers these days, despite their interconnectedness through digital means, are suffering from social anxiety. Their mental health is not that well, and panic attacks are becoming all too frequent. Actor and screenwriter  Olivia Healey  shares how she uses her storytelling skills to help young people deal with these challenges and become more open to creating genuine relationships...

In a world where genuine connection can feel scarce, understanding the power of empathy and vulnerability becomes essential for mental health and wellness. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative work of the  Shoulder Check  Initiative with founder  Rob Thorsen , who shares the deeply personal story behind its inception and its mission to encourage authentic human conn...

There is so much stigma about mental health that most people refuse to talk about it.  Brandon Saho  uses his platform  The Mental Game  to invite people to embrace vulnerability and be comfortable with the uncomfortable. In this conversation with Marc Lehman, he shares how he hosts emotional interviews with athletes and celebrities to raise awareness about the seriousness of d...