The Just A Mom Podcast

Podcast Episode Show Notes, part 2: "Major General Gregg F. Martin" Introduction : In the second episode featuring Major General Gregg F. Martin conversation extends to the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the military, addressing the significant challenges faced by service members. Major General Martin underscores the persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues and acknowledges the positi...

Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Major General Gregg F. Martin" Introduction : In this episode of the Just A Mom podcast, Susie engages in a compelling conversation with Major General Gregg F. Martin, a combat veteran and resilient bipolar disorder survivor. Major General Martin candidly shares his tumultuous journey of grappling with bipolar disorder, shedding light on the unique challenges he confro...

Podcast Episode Show Notes, part 2: "Meggin Rose" Introduction : In the second part of the episode, Meggin reflects on her son's high school years, highlighting his compassionate nature. The narrative unfolds to reveal significant changes before college – a noticeable loss of energy and breakdowns in communication. Meggin courageously shares her son's accusation of emotional abuse, revealing the s...

Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Meggin Rose" Introduction : Join us for a powerful and insightful Just A Mom podcast episode as Susie sits down with the remarkable Meggin Rose. In this emotional conversation, Meggin candidly shares her journey as a parent navigating the complex terrain of mental health challenges within her family. From the early signs of her child's struggles to the hurdles of findi...

Introduction: In this episode of the JAM podcast, we explore eating disorders with Dr. Samantha DeCaro, a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. DeCaro discusses the prevalence, causes, and prevention of eating disorders, touching on the complex relationship with mental health, anxiety, and depression. Pandemic's Impact on Eating Disorders: Isolation during the pandemic contributed to eating disorder...

Introduction : Welcome to a special episode of the "Just A Mom" podcast, where we kick off Season Five with a heartfelt and personal update. In today's episode, Susie is excited to be joined in the studio by a very special guest – her son, Will. As Susie expresses her joy at having Will home for the recording, the focus of this episode is centered around providing listeners with a detailed and int...

Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Kathleen McKune and Karen Dickson" Introduction : In this insightful episode, Karen and Kathleen, integral members of the resilient Harnish family, join Susie on the Just A Mom Podcast. Co-authors of the impactful book "Remarkably Resilient," the three sisters delve into their experiences, upbringing, and the profound motivation driving the creation of the Remarkably R...

Podcast Episode 2 Show Notes: "Wesley Hamilton" Introduction: The last episode of the Just a Mom podcast captures the life story of Kansas City native Wesley Hamilton.  The episode explores Wesley's mental struggles, including battles with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts amid a lack of mental health support. Wesley Hamilton's impactful foundation, "Disabled But Not Really," takes c...

Introduction: In this episode of the Just a Mom podcast, host Susie welcomes Wesley Hamilton, a Kansas City native known for his personal struggles, foundation work, and TV stardom. Wesley reflects on his upbringing as a product of his challenging environment, growing up without his father, and battling low self-esteem and negative thinking. He shares how he once believed he wouldn't live past 21...

Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Rennie McKinney"  Introduction: In this "Just A Mom" podcast episode, Susie engages with guest Rennie McKinney, Administrative Director of Behavioral Health Services at Advent Health Shawnee Mission. They delve into the evolving landscape of mental health, influenced by reduced stigma, younger generations' openness, and the media's role. The impact of the COVID-19 pand...

Season 4, Episode 9 Show Notes: "Coach Jareem Dowling" Introduction : In the first part of this episode, we've delved deeply into Coach Jareem Dowling's life, uncovering a powerful journey filled with moments of reflection, tragedy, and resilience. Coach Dowling's story underscores the significance of mental health awareness and the unwavering support of a community, both in times of triumph and s...

*WARNING–This episode contains explicit talk about suicide and methodology.* Introduction:   In this episode of the "Just A Mom" podcast, Coach Jareem Dowling's life journey is explored, focusing on his coaching career at Kansas State University and the loss of his brother, Leo. The conversation underscores the importance of mental health awareness and community support blending personal and profe...

Introduction:   In this episode, Susie Gurley welcomes Brenda and Faith Ferber to the podcast. Together, they embark on a deeply personal journey, exploring mental health, resilience, and the power of open communication. Brenda, the author of the impactful article 'My Daughter Told Me She Wanted to Die to Save Her Life I Gave Her Permission to End It,' shares her experiences and the challenges she...

This is a continuation of episode 4 with Beth. Beth’s son, Zach, suffered from anxiety, depression, and substance abuse ultimately cost him his life on March 25, 2019.  Beth tells listeners that parents need to have open communication, and if you feel that something is wrong with your child you need to reach out for help. While Beth grieves the loss of her son every day, she is grateful for the la...

In this heartbreaking episode, Beth chronicles her son, Zach’s, early years and how his battle with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse started and ultimately cost him his life on March 25, 2019.  Beth believes mental illness and substance abuse went hand-in-hand for Zach, and that Zach’s substance abuse started when he self-medicated with illegally purchased Xanax and then moved to prescript...

Don’t miss this information-filled episode with Jason Bohn, who holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and has almost 30 years of working with children, youth, and families. Jason’s career started in the child welfare system, and he developed the Renew Counseling Center Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression. Jason attributes the yout...

This episode is a continuation of my conversation with Kristina Miller, mom of former Ohio State University football player Harry Miller. In this episode, Kristina recounts some of the fears and challenges of parenting an adult son with mental health issues. Kristina also gives us an update on the amazing things that Harry is doing now, including pursuing a Rhodes Scholarship (Harry has a 4.0 GPA...

Harry medically retired from football in March of 2022, citing mental health issues. You may have seen him on the Today show ( https://www.today.com/video/ohio-state-football-star-shares-emotional-message-about-mental-health-135841349622 ) discussing his battle and decision to retire from football.  I knew when I saw Harry on the Today Show I wanted to talk to his mom. I am so grateful that Kristi...

Middle school is a tough time for everyone—kids, parents and teachers.  Author, licensed clinical professional counselor and school counselor Phyllis Fagell joins me on this special episode of The Just A Mom podcast to talk about her recent book, Middle School Super Powers .  This book is a practical and easy to read guide on helping middle schoolers (and kids of any age) learn resiliency. Phyllis...

I first learned about The Grant Halliburton Foundation when a college friend emailed me about it. After researching and learning about all of the work they do in North Texas in mental health education, collaboration, encouragement, and information, I knew I wanted to be part of their annual conference, “When Life Hands You Teenagers” ( https://www.granthalliburton.org/calendar/wlhyt-att7a-dpbpm )...

This episode is a continuation of Jennifer’s story. Jennifer has done extensive research and been an incredible advocate for her son.  Here are some links/definitions to things we talked about: TheraPlay PCIT - Parent-Child Interaction Therapy What is CBT Therapy ? What is EMDR ? Accelerated Resolution Therapy Problematic Sexual Behavior Therapy   ABA Therapy   Neurofeedback Therapy    " safe room...

This incredible episode is about a young couple who fostered and eventually adopted a boy who was a student in Jennifer’s kindergarten classroom. He was in seven foster homes in five years (some were shelters). Jennifer and her husband became foster parents in their first year of marriage. This young boy had been abused sexually and physically and neglected and had his first suicide attempt at eig...

This is a unique episode in that Stephanie, a mom with a special needs child who also has anxiety and depression, requested that her son’s psychologist also be part of our conversation. Stephanie’s son had a stroke in utero that they discovered when he was 3 months old. He has cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. At age 6, he had surgery where the right half of his brain was removed beca...

Renee and Jessica are responsible for some of the crucial Johnson County, Kansas mental health services: the open access walk-in clinic, 988, the mobile crisis response team, and mental health co-responders.  My conversation with Renee and Jessica solidified what I already knew—the country in which I live is incredibly fortunate to have the county mental health resources that we have. This episode...