Truly Mental

Connect with Steve:  Website Instagram LinkedIn Steve Bisson has worked in mental health and addiction treatment since 1999 — jails, corrections, parole, probation, courts, and side-by-side with first responders from day one Licensed mental health counselor certified in CBT and EMDR, author of Finding Your Way Through Therapy , and host of the podcast Resilience Development in Action Born and rais...

Explore the critical importance of sleep science in public safety, decision-making, and bias reduction with Dr. Lois James. Discover how fatigue impacts brain function, bias, and performance, and learn practical strategies for improving sleep and mental health in high-stakes professions.  *This episode was sponsored and made possible by MILO Range Dr. Lois James:   LinkedIn MILO Range Website CBTs...

Summary: In this episode of Truly Mental, Joe Smarro engages in a deep conversation with Miles Spencer, a multi-exit entrepreneur and founder of Reflekta.ai, a platform that allows users to connect with the likeness of loved ones, both past and present. The discussion explores themes of success, failure, emotional well-being, the impact of AI, and the importance of storytelling and fatherhood. Mil...

Summary: In this episode of Truly Mental, Joe Smarro interviews retired NYPD officer Steve Pedullo, who shares his journey from a working-class upbringing to a 16-year career in law enforcement. Steve discusses the challenges and realities of policing in New York City, including a life-altering shooting incident that led to his combat cross award. He opens up about the emotional aftermath of the i...

Summary: In this episode of Truly Mental, host Joe Smarro speaks with Sandeep Acharya, CEO and founder of Octave, a behavioral health company focused on improving access to quality mental health care. Sandeep shares his personal journey into the mental health field, the challenges faced in the current system, and how Octave is leveraging technology to enhance therapy matching and outcomes. The con...

Summary: In this conversation, Joe Smarro speaks with Angelika and Mitch Sadar, experts in neurofeedback and mental wellness. They discuss the transformative power of neurofeedback in optimizing mental health, performance, and resilience. The discussion covers the spectrum of clients they serve, from trauma survivors to elite athletes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain'...

Summary: In this episode of Truly Mental, Joe Smarro interviews Tony Crescenzo, the president and CEO of Intelligent Waves. They discuss leadership under pressure, the mental toll of high-stakes work, and how to build resilient teams. Tony shares his journey from the Marine Corps to leading a tech company focused on supporting veterans and addressing PTSD through innovative technologies. The conve...

Summary: In this episode of Truly Mental, Sheriff Michael Cortez from Hancock County, Ohio, shares his journey in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of mental health and wellness for officers. He discusses the challenges of policing, the need for empathy, and the impact of age and experience on decision-making. Sheriff Cortez opens up about his personal struggles with mental health and th...

Summary: In this episode of "Truly Mental," host Joe Smarro sits down with Dr. Steve Gullans, CEO of Thynk Inc, to explore the intersection of neuroscience, innovation, and real-world impact. Discover how cutting-edge neurotechnology is helping people rewire their brains for resilience, adaptability, and better decision-making. Steve shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship,...

Summary: In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Sam Zand, founder of Anywhere Clinic, discusses the evolution of psychiatric care, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, empathy, and optimization in mental health. He shares his personal journey, the significance of understanding PTSD, and the role of telehealth in breaking down barriers to care. Dr. Zand advocates for a shift from traditiona...

In this episode, Joe Smarro interviews Dan Umfleet, the founder and CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, a mental health care system focused on addressing gambling and gaming disorders. They discuss the challenges of digital addiction, the importance of tailored mental health care, and the role of technology in treatment. Dan shares his journey from consulting to mental health advocacy, the impact...

In this episode of Truly Mental, Joe Smarro interviews Robin Arnott, CEO & co-founder of SoundSelf, an immersive technology designed to facilitate altered states of awareness for mental health improvement. They discuss the mechanics of SoundSelf, its therapeutic applications, and Robin's journey from game design to creating a tool for healing. The conversation delves into the importance o...

In this episode of the Truly Mental Podcast, host Joe Smarro speaks with Bill Black, the Chief Operating Officer of Appalachian Counseling Center. They discuss Bill's journey from a military career to mental health advocacy, the differences between therapy and life coaching, and the importance of addressing stigma in mental health. Bill shares insights on the role of community, the challenges...

In this episode of the Truly Mental Podcast, host Joe Smarro speaks with Karin Stephan, COO and co-founder of Earkick, an AI-powered platform designed to improve mental health through real-time support. Karin shares her personal journey that led to the creation of Earkick, emphasizing the importance of accessible mental health resources. The conversation explores the role of AI in mental health, a...

In this episode of Truly Mental, host Jesse Trevino speaks with Hector Ayala, CEO of Hispanic Community Counseling Services, about the importance of culturally responsive mental health care for Latino communities. They discuss the barriers to accessing mental health services, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the need for culturally competent care, especially among first responders. Hector...

In this episode of Truly Mental, host Jesse Trevino speaks with Angie Noack, a leader at Braincode Centers, about her personal journey of recovery from a traumatic brain injury and her work in neurofeedback therapy. They discuss the impact of trauma on the brain, the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a treatment modality, and share inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed thei...

In this episode of the Truly Mental podcast, host Joe Smarro engages with Ari Drosman, co-founder of Resurface Group, to discuss a transformative approach to mental health care that emphasizes in-home therapy. Ari shares insights into the unique model of Resurface Group, which integrates therapy into the daily lives of clients, fostering sustainable change and building trust. The conversation expl...

In this episode of Truly Mental, host Jesse Trevino interviews Oli Mittermaier, co-founder and Director of Patient Care of CIT Clinics, a leading provider of ketamine-assisted therapy. They discuss the innovative approaches to mental health care, particularly for those facing treatment-resistant conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Oli shares insights on the role of ketamine in therapy,...

In this conversation, Joe Smarro and Judson Kauffman explore the evolving landscape of masculinity, emotional intelligence, and the importance of vulnerability in men's lives. Judson shares his journey from being a Navy SEAL to leading EVRYMAN, a company focused on creating safe spaces for men to connect and share their struggles. They discuss the impact of emotional isolation, the quest for...

Summary: In this episode of Truly Mental, host Jesse Trevino engages with Dr. Srini Pillay, a renowned psychiatrist and brain science expert, to explore the intersection of mental health, neuroscience, and personal growth. Dr. Pillay discusses his work with NeuroBusiness Group and the AI-driven platform Roulet, emphasizing the importance of understanding neuroplasticity and the brain's abilit...