Voices for Mental Health

In this episode of Voices for Mental Health, we explore the meaning of conditional love from the basic question of what it means, to how it shapes our self-esteem and emotional development. Guest: Dr. Dan Elash. “After years as a psychologist, I believe that it is the responsibility of parents to validate their children. In my experience, we do a mediocre job of it at best. Even with good intentio...

What if happiness isn’t something you chase but something you learn to experience? In this powerful episode of Voices for Mental Health, we sit down with seasoned psychologist and life strategies coach Dr. Dan, who brings over 35 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s toughest moments. From his work with hospitals to supporting military families and first responders, Dr. Dan share...

In this captivating episode of Voices for Mental Health, host Candace Schoner brings together two women from different generations—a Gen X voice and a Baby Boomer perspective—for a deeply honest conversation about relationships, identity, and emotional well-being. Through personal stories and lived experiences, Jenny Z and Janie explore how the expectations placed on women have evolved and how tho...

In this engaging, emotional and relatable episode, Becca Pearce shares her deeply personal journey from a very public career to a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis that forced her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about achievement, identity, and self-worth. This episode is a must for all those over-achiever’s and Type A personality.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Janelle Moravek, a nonprofit director and dedicated mental health leader, for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to support children living with mental illness. Through both her professional lens and personal experience, Janelle opens up about the challenges families face when navigating a system that can often feel overw...

In this candid conversation with our guest Amanda Miller, we explore the hidden pressures that come with imposter syndrome such as anxiety, depression, lack of self worth, and navigating a professional environment. Join us for an honest discussion to foster a better understanding of imposter syndrome, its impact on mental health, and learn how to move beyond self-doubt.

Living with chronic pain isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too. In this unedited conversation, our guest, Flame Bilyue and I, talk about finding a yes, when everything feels like a no. Learn how simple tricks like shifting your mindset, alternative therapies, and self compassion can go a long way to helping your body reduce inflammation and pain.

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Vandermore — a mother, author, licensed therapist, and creator of the Mind Circuit app. Erin uses powerful analogies to explain how neuroscience shapes mental health, EMDR, and trauma recovery. Discover practical ways such as “tapping” to calm anxiety, retrain your brain’s stress response, and cultivate peace from within. Do yourself a favor, and check out th...

In this powerful episode, author, motivational speaker, and sexual abuse survivor Cindy Benezra shares her journey of healing after childhood trauma and profound betrayal. Through honest reflection, she explores how unhealed pain can shape relationships and how reclaiming your voice can change everything. Cindy’s story demonstrates the power of forgiveness while offering hope, validation, and enco...

In this candid and uncut conversation, we explore how lived experiences, age, gender identity, and social connections impact mental health. From dating, to redefining relationships, to embracing independence , we take a deep dive into how history and greater mental health awareness are changing lives and future goals.

In this timely interview, Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds joins us for an in-depth conversation on Medicaid, mental health access, and the growing crisis of “ghost networks”—provider lists that appear robust on paper but leave individuals and families unable to find real, available care. This conversation goes beyond politics. It’s about public safety, human dignity, and the urgent need to fix...

From the Ivy League to prison to becoming a seven-figure entrepreneur, Ken Miller shares his raw and inspiring story of addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and transformation. He speaks openly about trauma, survival, and what it truly takes to build a better life.

Our guest, Andy Regal, a highly accomplished media executive and author of “Surviving Bully Culture: A Career Spent Navigating Workplace Bullying and a Guide for Healing,” joins us to share his powerful story. In this illuminating podcast, Andy describes 💼 The hidden costs of workplace bullying 🧠 Its lasting impact on mental health 💚 And how he turned pain into purpose and advocacy

In this episode of Voices for Mental Health, we sit down with Joseph Melendez, a network systems engineer, yoga instructor, and stress management coach who knows firsthand how technology can both help and hinder our peace of mind. Joseph brings a rare combination of technical know-how and mindful wisdom to help us navigate our digital world with greater ease. From managing daily tech frustrations...

Stop letting regrets hold you back. We all have them. In this episode, renowned coach and former psychologist, Dr. Dan Elash shares practical strategies to help you rise above setbacks and move forward with confidence. Discover why celebrating small wins isn’t just nice—it’s essential. Recognizing progress fuels long-term success and strengthens your ability to keep going, even when life gets toug...

This episode is a must listen for any parent as we dive deep with our guest, mental health advocate, Ginger Germani, who opens up about: ✨ Growing up Gen-X and navigating generational trauma, divorce, survival mode, and vulnerability. ✨ The daily habits that create security and self-love ✨ The heartbreaking loss of her son Austin to suicide in 2017 — and her journey from grief to advocacy ✨ Wh...

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Alberto Augsten sheds light on the urgent need for accessible medications for underserved communities, the complexities of treating bipolar 1 disorder, and the critical role pharmacology plays in shaping mental health outcomes.

In this episode, mixed media artist Michelle Geiger opens up about her personal journey with art—sharing how creativity became both an outlet and a lifeline. Through her story, she reveals the transformative power of art to heal, inspire, and help us navigate the deep and often overwhelming process of grief.

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Miller, a Death Duola, to explore the deeply human side of supporting those facing the end of life. Amanda shares insights on fostering meaningful conversations between terminally ill patients and their families, navigating anticipatory grief, and guiding loved ones through the bereavement process. This thoughtful discussion sheds light on how compassion an...

In this episode of Voices for Mental Health, former food addict and author Michelle Petties as explains why diets don’t work and how memories affect our eating habits. (Originally air May 6, 2025)

This podcast is a must-listen for parents of children with special needs. In this encore presentation, a father candidly shares his journey of raising a child with autism and how it has shaped his ego, marriage, finances, and career. He also explores the risks of denial and its impact on families navigating the challenges of special needs parenting.

She beat the odds of terminal cancer and counts her blessings. Hear her raw and emotional story in her own words and why you should never give up hope. Guest: Katherine Coullivon

Our guest, Kijuan “Kiwi” Amey, is a former U.S. Air Force serviceman who launched his own business at just 25 years old. But everything changed when a devastating motorcycle accident left him permanently blind. Instead of letting tragedy define him, Kiwi chose a different path—one of resilience, faith, and purpose. In this powerful episode, Kiwi shares how he turned unimaginable loss into a life f...

In this episode, we explore many uncomfortable topics including grief, dating, and sex with single mom, widow and mental health advocate, Carrie Kerwick.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into narcissists, the “playbook,” and why some people have the guts to say goodbye and others don’t. Guest: Dr. Rita Louise