Mental Health

Finding comfort and connection by recognizing meaningful signs in everyday life

 
Ann Bolinger-McQuade an award-winning author of Everyday Oracles joins eHealth Radio and the Mental Health and Emotional Health Channels. She helps people find comfort and connection by recognizing meaningful signs in everyday life.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Ann Bolinger-McQuade discuss the following:
What is something that has helped you most when grief shows up unexpectedly?


For people who feel heavy with loss, what is one small thing they could do today to feel less alone?


Sometimes friends do not know what to say. What is the most comforting thing someone ever said or did for you during a hard time?
Grief often resurfaces at surprising times. How can people handle those waves when they come out of nowhere?


Many people try to stay strong for others. What would you say to someone who is afraid to let their feelings show?


How does sharing stories help people feel seen in their own grief?
About Ann Bolinger-McQuade
Ann Bolinger-McQuade is the award-winning author of Everyday Oracles, a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of the physical world and spirituality. Rooted in her Native American heritage, her work illuminates the divine messages that surround us and guides readers to recognize their own unique connection to the universe. Through workshops and personal experiences, Bolinger-McQuade empowers individuals to trust their intuition and discover the wisdom within.
Website: https://everydayextradimensions.com
Social Media Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaypersonaloraclesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOracles
The beliefs, views, ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network.
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When Art Heals: A Digital Platform for Creative Mental Wellness

 
Dr. Marco Pinter, Founder and CEO of MindClay, a new wellness app featuring dance movements and creative writing and drawing joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Mental Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Marco Pinter discuss the following:
MindClay includes activities across movement, music, visual art, and writing. Could you describe a couple of these—maybe a favorite or surprising one—and how it supports emotional well-being?
Your background spans both interactive art installation— for museums and festivals --- and work in digital health. And you founded the Museum of Sensory & Movement Experiences, which had a 5-year run exploring embodiment and interactivity in the arts. How did your work in large-scale art installations inform the creation of MindClay?
We hear a lot about device time being a cause of anxiety, especially social media. How do you think about that relative to MindClay, since it is also on people's devices?
What is a mental wellness technique that you have personally found valuable, and did that influence any MindClay activity design?
Community seems to be an important aspect of mental health. Does MindClay integrate a sense of community in any ways?
Are you working with any particular groups with MindClay?
Dr. Marco Pinter is Founder and CEO of MindClay, a wellness app that utilizes dance movements and creative writing and drawing. He has a PhD in Media Arts & Technology from UCSB, and an M.S in Computer Science, also from UCSB. He has been in the digital health industry for over 20 years, and also is an interactive media artist, having exhibited around the world. He previously founded the Museum of Sensory & Movement Experiences in Santa Barbara. He is an inventor on over 100 patents in the areas of live video technology, robotics, interactivity and telepresence.
Website: https://mindclayhealth.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeCreativeFeelBetter  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindclay Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcopinter 
The beliefs, views, ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network
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A Poet Overcame Addiction, Came to Love Central Park, and Became its Best Tour Guide

 
Aaron Poochigian, a poet, classics scholar, and translator who lives and writes in New York City joins eHealth Radio and the Addiction Prevention & Health News Channels. His work has appeared in such newspapers and journals as The Financial Times, The New York Review of Books, and Poetry Magazine. His new book is Four Walks in Central Park: A Poetic Guide to the Park.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Aaron Poochigian discuss the following:
What inspired you to write "Four Walks in Central Park”?
What does Central Park mean to you — as a person, as a poet as a writer?
Why did you choose to do the tours in poetry?
You've talked about being a recovering addict. What role did Central Park play in your recovery?
Why is Central Park so important to New Yorkers?
What kind of research did you do on the Park and its history? What did you learn about the Park that you didn't know before?
Do you think most people take Central Park for granted?
What do you wish there was more of in Central Park, if anything?
How would you like people to use your book?
Now that you've written this book, do you feel differently about the park?
Aaron Poochigian is a poet, classics scholar, and translator who lives and writes in New York City. His many translations include Stung with Love (Penguin UK) — a translation of Sappho, and Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” (forthcoming from W.W. Norton). His work has appeared in such newspapers and journals as The Financial Times, The New York Review of Books, and Poetry Magazine. His new book is Four Walks in Central Park: A Poetic Guide to the Park.
Website: https://www.aaronpoochigian.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: facebook.com/aaron.poochigianInstagram: instagram.com/aaronpoochigianLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/aaron-poochigian
The beliefs, views, ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network
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Growing up with Schizoid Personality Disorder: A Raucous, Sensitive Memoir Tells All

 
Blair Sorrel, an author, innovator, and animal lover joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Mental Health Channels. Her memoir is A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Blair Sorrel discuss the following:
What is your book: A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving about?
Can you talk about finally being diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) and how you felt once you received the diagnosis?
You write about the challenges of living with a mother who seems like she withheld affection, and a father that was hardly there. How did that dynamic have an impact on you as an adult?
You write about the incredible solace and comfort you found in popular music as you were growing up with SPD, and how certain songs really helped you find yourself. Can you talk more about that?
It seems as if SPD can be a hard condition to overcome — especially considering how withdrawn those who have it can become. How did you find your way to therapy?
What advice would you have for someone who suspects they may be living with SPD?
Blair Sorrel is an author, innovator, and animal lover. She was Free Time’s “Dollarwise Dilettante” columnist, Together Dating Service’s matchmaker, and New York Blood Services’ apheresis recruiter. She founded StreetZaps to protect dogs and people from stray voltage, and was the first community representative invited by Con Edison to their annual Jodie S. Lane Stray Voltage Detection, Mitigation, and Prevention National Conference. Her memoir is A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving.
Website: https://rockingtributes.com
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Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month: Wearing Your Baby, Healing Your Mind

 
Azja Pryor, a CBWS-trained baby-wearing educator, and marketing manager for MOBY Wraps and LÍLLÉbaby Carriers that help new moms, dads, and caregivers enjoy greater emotional connections while baby wearing joins eHealth Radio and the Health News & Mental Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Azja Pryor discuss the following:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and so many moms are quietly struggling. Why do you think it’s important that we talk more openly about maternal mental health—and what inspired you to focus your work in this space?
You’ve educated moms and dads, and even NICU healthcare teams on the power of baby wearing. Can you walk us through how something as simple as wearing your baby can actually help reduce stress and promote emotional connection?
A lot of new moms love the idea of baby wearing but worry they’ll ‘do it wrong’ or that their baby won’t like it. What would you say to someone feeling that way?
Can you share a story—maybe a moment that really stuck with you—about how baby wearing made a difference in a mom’s mental health journey?
There are so many baby carriers out there—it can be kind of overwhelming for new moms. For someone just starting out, especially if they're dealing with postpartum stress or anxiety, are there certain types of carriers or brands you find really supportive or easy to use?
Azja Pryor, a CBWS-trained babywearing educator with seven years of experience, is passionate about supporting parents in this journey by introducing them to the transformative benefits of babywearing.
Through her work with diverse communities, including collaborations with the National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) and an in-person workshop for Alexandria House, that provides refuge for women and children experiencing trauma, Azja has seen firsthand how babywearing can be a powerful tool for mental wellness. The simple act of carrying a baby closely fosters emotional regulation, reduces stress, and promotes bonding, which can ease feelings of anxiety and postpartum depression.
Beyond convenience, baby-wearing empowers caregivers by providing a sense of confidence, connection, and calm during one of life’s most demanding transitions. It allows parents to be present, both physically and emotionally, while also maintaining a sense of self.
Azja’s expertise offers invaluable insight into the intersection of mental health and parenthood, making her an ideal voice for self-care and mental wellness to discuss how babywearing can provide emotional relief and resilience for parents and caregivers.
Websites: https://mobywrap.com | https://www.lillebaby.com 
Social Media Links: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mobywrap  Instagram: https://instagram.com/lillebaby 
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Innovating Mental Health: How TARA Mind and Digital Tools Are Bridging Gaps in Care

 
Brian Dolan, President of TARA Mind and healthcare innovator at Red Cell Partners, who has spent 30+ years redesigning how consumers and employers approach mental and physical well-being joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Mental Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Brian Dolan discuss the following:
TARA Mind focuses on mental health innovation. What’s one underrated strategy consumers can use today to improve their mental well-being?
TARA Mind is tackling mental health differently. Can you share a specific feature or approach that sets it apart from other mental health solutions?
What’s the biggest mistake people make when engaging with digital health tools, and how can they fix it?
You’ve worked with insurers, employers, and providers. Where do you see the most exciting collaboration opportunities to tackle systemic healthcare gaps?
What’s your #1 recommendation to improve workforce mental health without breaking the budget?
What’s your bold prediction for the next big disruption in digital health?
Brian Dolan is the President of TARA Mind and an Operating Partner in Red Cell’s Healthcare Practice. Mr. Dolan was a founding member of Rally Health’s leadership team and led the development of its health plan and provider system engagement solutions. He is a chronic health care innovator with 30+ years of experience focused on population health management initiatives and health outcomes measurement.
Brian possesses a comprehensive and balanced understanding of today’s health care system from the perspective of all the primary stakeholders (consumers, providers, employers and insurers). He was the primary architect of Rally Health’s Annual Health Innovation Summit for health plans and provider systems which focused on the exploration of the “art of the possible” in terms of innovative collaboration. He has spent the last 15 years focused on cracking the code to enhance consumer and provider engagement to improve health, care quality, cost and satisfaction outcomes.
Prior to joining Rally Health in 2012, Brian was chief customer solutions officer for ActiveHealth Management which pioneered the use of technology and data to improve adherence to evidence-based guidelines of care through provider and member engagement outreach. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Hewitt Associates and Towers Perrin, where he was principal and Northeast sales and marketing leader.
Brian earned an MBA in Finance from Clark University and a BA in Biochemistry from Bowdoin College.
Website: https://www.taramind.com
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The Healing Power of Psychoanalysis, Revealed by a Patient for the First Time

 
Joan K. Peters who got her Ph.D in comparative literature from The University of Chicago joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel. She's published a novel and two books about women and work and is a professor emeritus of literature and writing at California State University at Channel Islands. Her new book is Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Joan K. Peters discuss the following:
What made you want to write a memoir of psychoanalysis, which is so personal and private? Why expose yourself in that way?
Everyone seems to go to therapy but you rarely hear anyone talk about psychoanalysis, what does it add to therapy? What made you choose it over therapy?
What will other people learn about themselves from reading about your personal journey through psychoanalysis?
How is your life different after psychoanalysis, and what were the great change agents in the process?
Do you feel psychoanalysis, as you experienced it, has something important to say about our culture at this time?
UNTANGLING: With the drama of a novel, Untangling tells the story of a transformative psychoanalysis, the first in-depth account by a patient. In Peters’ tempestuous twenties, a classical analysis quieted her recurring nightmares through a discovery of her family’s secret past. Decades later, her second analyst, Kristi, guided her through the frightening depths of that past as it played out in the intense strife and love in their relationship. In another first, Kristi writes an afterword about the challenge of analyzing Peters. Unique in its reach, Untangling reveals the inner workings of psychoanalysis and of the psyche.
Website: https://www.untanglingjoan.com
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From Drug Dealer to Addiction Expert

 
Dr. Adi Jaffe, Ph.D., best-selling author of “Unhooked”, founder of IGNTD Recovery, and a world-renowned expert on mental health, addiction, relationships, and shame joins eHealth Radio and the Addiction Prevention and Mental Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Adi Jaffe discuss the following:
What has been your personal journey with addiction?
How do you know if you're addicted to something?
hat are "emotional hooks" and how do they relate to addiction?
What are some tips to Becoming “Unhooked”?
When should you seek help for an addiction?
SUMMARY: Struggling with addiction is not abnormal— a third to half of adults in the US experience it. Addiction does not mean your brain is broken or your genes are a mess and addiction is not a permanent problem. Addiction can be defeated but it's a process that requires work, time, and effort. 
Adi Jaffe, Ph.D. is the author of “Unhooked” and is a world-renowned expert on mental health, addiction, relationships, and shame. The founder of IGNTD Recovery, a Smart Personalized Adaptive Recovery System, Dr. Jaffe was a lecturer in the Psychology department at UCLA for the better part of a decade and was the Executive Director and Co-Founder of one of the most progressive addiction treatment facilities in the country.
As a young man, Dr. Adi Jaffe’s battle with addiction nearly landed him a decades-long prison sentence. He now holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has used his personal experience as an inspirational and motivational tool. Passionate about the role of shame in destroying lives, he’s made it his life’s mission to help reduce the stigma of mental health in this country. In addition to his blog on Psychology Today, Dr. Jaffe’s work and research have been widely published in both academic journals and popular magazines and websites.
The best-selling author of “The Abstinence Myth,” Dr. Jaffe’s latest book, “Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever” (Hachette Book Group), shares his shame-free, step-by-step program to destigmatize addiction using habit-change knowledge and tools to help readers ‘unhook’ for an addiction-free life. “Unhooked” is available everywhere you buy books.
Frequently called on the media for his expertise, Dr. Jaffe has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, and KTLA Morning News, featured on notable podcasts including Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness and The Dr. Drew Podcast, and has provided his expert opinions to The Huffington Post and the Los Angeles Times, among many other prestigious outlets.
Dr. Jaffe lives with his family in Southern California.
Website: https://www.adijaffe.com/unhooked 
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dradijaffe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradijaffe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dradijaffe Twitter: https://x.com/DrAdiJaffe 
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Becoming WHOLE: Practical Steps to Transform Your Health and Life with Brian Seth Hurst

 
Brian Seth Hurst, an acclaimed author, speaker, and transformation coach whose book WHOLE has inspired countless individuals to achieve personal growth and inner peace joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Personal Development Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Matt Goldstein discuss the following:
What inspired you to write WHOLE, and how does it guide readers toward self-transformation and better health?
Can you share one belief or practice from your book that listeners can implement today to improve their mental or emotional well-being?
Many people struggle with stress and uncertainty. What advice do you have for finding balance and maintaining inner peace in challenging times?
The new Companion Workbook that accompanies WHOLE offers practical exercises. Can you walk us through one exercise that you love most?
How does the audiobook format enhance the experience of WHOLE, especially for busy individuals looking to focus on their well-being?
For someone just beginning their journey toward self-improvement, what is the first step you recommend to start becoming 'whole'?
Brian Seth Hurst wasn’t in his university’s philosophy class the day metaphysics was defined. Little did he know that discovering what lies beyond the visible world would become a lifelong avocation. Balancing the study of life with the business of life has led Brian to describe himself as a “metapractical” man.
Hurst had essentially two professional sides to his life—one as a successful entertainment executive, and the other as an intuitive counselor and coach. For years, these roles remained separate until a wake-up call led to the creation of "WHOLE," a collection of powerful essays that examines how beliefs serve, or do not serve, us in our lives, how those beliefs can be transformed to change our circumstances, and the power of the ultimate connection to Source.
A well-regarded international entertainment professional and prominent figure in the world of media, storytelling, and immersive experiences, he is known for his work as a producer, strategist, and writer, with a focus on pioneering new forms of content and storytelling techniques. Hurst has been at the forefront of the intersection between traditional media and emerging technologies, particularly in areas like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and cross-platform storytelling. He has held leadership positions at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and the Producers Guild of America.
As a transition and transformation coach Hurst draws on his 40 years of experience in the areas of business and personal growth. His WHOLE Lifeworks™ program has empowered people in all walks of life to define their purpose and meaningful work in their lives.
Brian’s last literary adventure was as co-author, alongside Olivia Newton-John, of the best-selling children’s book “A Pig Tale.”
Website: https://www.wholelifebook.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholethebook  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whole_lifeworks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WholeLifeWorks-m2u/videos  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whole.lifeworks 
The beliefs, views, ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network.
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Breaking the Silence: A Mother's Journey to Uncover Mental Health Warning Signs

 
Melanie Balestra, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, attorney & author of the book Suicide: A Mother's Journey Through Her Childs Pain joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Mental Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Melanie Balestra discuss the following:
Why did you write this book - Suicide: A Mother's Journey Through Her Childs Pain?
Why do you think mental illness has increased in children?
What are some signs of mental illness in children?
What are signs of suicidal tendencies?
How does one cope with suicide of a child?
How does one keep from playing the blame game if their child commits suicide?
Melanie Balestra has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for 45 years and attorney for 23 years. She is the mother of two girls. Her youngest daughter started showing signs of abnormal behavior at the age of 3 but no one would listen to her.
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://facebook.com/melanie.balestra Instagram: https://instagram.com/melanie.balestra Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attymelaniebalestra
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