Normalize The Conversation by Inspiring My Generation

Ali is a current MSW student at Florida State University. She earned her B.S. degree from the University of Central Florida, where she majored in Clinical Psychology. Ali has worked with many different populations in the human services field. While obtaining her undergraduate degree, she interned with multiple homeless shelters in Pinellas County, where she led many milieu therapy groups, supervis...

Shereefa is a multi-hyphenate, multi-dimensional woman always searching for the next challenge in order to encourage and inspire others to break through barriers.  She is a London-based presenter and plus-size model with a background in musical theatre, she is at the forefront of promoting equality and mental health awareness. She uses her platform to discuss many topics including Black Lives...

Dr. Natanya Wachtel is co-founder of http://evrmore.io , an empathy AI powered platform that serves as an interactive game-theory-powered mental wellness guide that has been featured in Netflix’s “The Social Dilemma” and will also be in the series’ follow-up, “The Changemakers.” Dr. Wachtel is also the founder of New Solutions Network, a group of strategic consultancy practices helps life sciences...

Looking back at her recovery journey in the hospital and psych ward, Candace Jones shares some of the biggest positives and negatives that came out of it. She also opens up about the 3 biggest opportunities for improvement that she personally would like to see as well as struggles she faced along the way.

Gigi Robinson is a digital artist, health & wellness advocate, current M.S. Candidate, and graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelors in Fine Arts, Design, and Photography.   Gigi has a strong presences across Tik Tok (100k views on average) and Instagram (15.5k+ followers), and, as of this year, she has been developing her YouTube and Podcast content.  &...

Michelle Hammer is a Schizophrenia Activist and spends her time passionately fighting stigma. She is an NYC native featured in the WebMD documentary Voices, which was nominated for a Tribeca X Award at the Tribeca Film Festival 2018. Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. At 27, Michelle decided to use her artistic talents and fearless personalit...

Christina Aldan is a brand strategy consultant, keynote speaker, trainer, and mentor. She offers businesses brand consulting and creative content for everyday media. With over 15 years of experience in the digital realm, Christina is highly regarded for her approach to business, partnering with clients to find unique strategies that ensure their goals are met. Christina builds connections through...

Emma Benoit became extremely passionate about suicide prevention after surviving a suicide attempt in 2017, the summer before her senior year in high school. At the time, she was a popular varsity cheerleader with a supportive family and lots of friends, but on the inside, she was filled with depression and anxiety, and had never told a soul about it.  Her attempt resulted in a spinal cord in...

Herbert (they/them) is a pianist, photographer, and mental health advocate. They are a graduate of the music program at McGill University and plans to be a music educator and performer. Herbert is working on content to educate and promote social media safety as they believe that is an integral and important part of mental health advocacy. They are a speaker for jack.org and have attended a number...

In this episode of Normalize The Conversation, Jill and Dave Henry guide us through the following questions:  Reframing the college experience and understanding the challenges of the transition: Why is the transition to college so challenging for students? What message should students receive as they prepare for the transition to college?  Dependable obstacles in the college setting &amp...

Laura Spaulding is the founder and franchisor of Spaulding Decon, a leading decontamination company in the United States. After 7 years in law enforcement, and serving in the military, Laura Spaulding started Spaulding Decon as a one woman show. In 2016 she franchised the company and has 53 locations across the country. Featured in The Wall Street Journal, Inc Magazine, and Entrepreneur magazine s...

Sam Eaton is an author, speaker, and founder of Recklessly Alive, a suicide prevention organization sprinting towards a world with zero deaths by suicide. Sam has spoken at over one-hundred events throughout the U.S sharing his story of battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Sam’s first book, Recklessly Alive: What My Suicide Attempt Taught Me About God and Living Life to the Fullest, was rele...

In this episode of Normalize The Conversation, Krista Montague discusses:  How dementia affects one's brain  Some "challenging behaviors" exhibited by individuals living with dementia  Common frustrations caregivers experience  3 things every caregiver should know

Dan Olson is an autoimmune warrior, depression survivor, adversity debunker, former professional water skier, and a live life to the fullest kind of guy! He helps lead, teach, and inspire others to live to their fullest potential by overcoming adversity in all forms. Back in 2019, Dan started The Olson Project Foundation after being hospitalized for a super rare autoimmune condition which turned h...

UPDATE: Since this interview was recorded, Tim has left NAMI WLA and now serves as Communications and Operations Director for an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Los Angeles. He and Ryder are developing a talk and workshop based on their shared lived experience. Tim and Ryder Davis's journey into the mental health space began when Ryder was diagnosed with bipolar1 disorder in Febru...

Dr. Monica is a Clinical Pharmacist With over 19 years of experience. She currently works for Walmart Health & Wellness. Dr. Monica is a huge MH advocate and began her public speaking engagements in 2018. Her mission is to help in the powerful work needed in De- Stigmatizing Mental Health topics. She is currently a Medical Writer for an MH platform called PSYCOM, where she brings a monthly col...

Brenda Sarai Zuniga is a mindfulness coach, comedian, and philanthropist, determined to create positive change in this world. An exceptional and compassionate leader, Brenda is an active member in giving back on a global scale. In the last few years, she’s raised over $100,000 for children in need through her humanitarian efforts.  A true queen, in 2019 she won the title of Miss Burbank USA a...

Alexa Curtis is the host of the weekly podcast, "The New Unfiltered," Founder of Be Fearless Summit, and host of "Fearless" of Localish.  In this episode, Alexa shares her journey that started from a blog at 12 years old. From learning how to handle rejection to discovering your identity, Alexa shares all.

Herbie Mack is a multi-time suicide survivor, which led him to become a suicide prevention speaker. Herbie is also a mental health first aider, QPR gateKeeper, and the Just Believe Podcast host. The Just Believe Podcast gives insight into how people overcome their mental health challenges, seek professional help & provide alternative ways to tackle anxiety and depression.

Dr. Michelle Chung is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related, mood, ADHD / executive functioning challenges and building resiliency. She also leads parenting workshops and consults with parents individually. Additionally, she specializes in working with recovering perfectionist types. Using a CBT, DBT, and Biofeedback model, Dr. Chung works with youth, families, and adult...

Dr. Monica is a Clinical Pharmacist With over 19 years of experience. She currently works for Walmart Health & Wellness. Dr. Monica is a huge MH advocate and began her public speaking engagements in 2018. Her mission is to help in the powerful work needed in De- Stigmatizing Mental Health topics. She is currently a Medical Writer for an MH platform called PSYCOM, where she brings a monthly col...

Fascinated with human biology and performance , Dr. Sonners is always working to integrate new knowledge and practical experience. In addition to his Doctor of Chiropractic, he earned his Diplomate of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (DCBCN) and his Diplomate of the International Board of Applied Kinesiology (DIBAK).  He is currently earning his PhD in molecular biology with a con...

Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, motivational speaker, radio show host, life coach and fitness fanatic. She is a mom to 5 and a wife. She is passionate about helping women who struggle in difficult relationships, especially that sometimes difficult relationship with themselves.    After 15 years in traditional psychotherapy practice, Dr. Zoe jumped off the couch and now helps...

Joy Larkin is a life coach, executive director, public speaker, mentor, and counselor.  She’s the Founder and CEO of Live Narc Free, an organization that helps individuals learn how to reclaim their well-being, self-esteem, love, relationship, and how to breakfree from narcissist abuse. Joy believes in a society of strong, beautiful, and powerful people who can accomplish anything by overcomi...

Candice Davis is a middle school Special Education Teacher in Washington, DC, with a background in film. Candice started her career in education as a Curriculum and Personnel Specialist, writing grants and proposals. Due to her desire to have more of a direct impact with disadvantaged students, she transitioned into teaching. "Melanin Brown Discovers America" is Candice’s debut book. She holds a M...