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Men experience depression differently. Al Levin interviews men who have suffered from depression, educating those who may know little about mental illnesses while giving hope to those who may be suffering. After three years of compiling and sharing stories, Al now includes interviews of experts on various topics around mental health.
Episodes
Sunday Sep 24, 2023
Sunday Sep 24, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews John MacPhee, CEO of The Jed Foundation (recorded 8-9-23). John describes his own mental health challenges and how they impacted him as a Division I college basketball player.
John also describes the work of The Jed Foundation that supports students and young adults around mental health, resiliency, and suicide prevention. You'll hear about the work that The Jed Foundation is doing not only in colleges and universities, but in high schools and with superintendents in supporting all students within K-12 schools.
John shares how The Jed Foundation works alongside of their partners to create a comprehensive plan to put systems, programs, and policies in place to create a culture of caring that protects student mental health, builds life skills, and makes it more likely students will seek help and struggling students will be recognized, connected to mental health care, and supported.
To learn more about John and The Jed Foundation, or to become a partner school, visit jedfoundation.org.
If you find value in the podcast, please consider buying Al a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/allevin. There, you can buy Al a one-time cup (or cups) of coffee or become a member to purchase coffee for him monthly. Not only will this help to caffeinate him up, but it will also help to offset the cost of the podcast hosting site, maintain and update his equipment and support the amount of time that it takes in order to produce the show.
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with him as a coach/consultant or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Aug 27, 2023
Sunday Aug 27, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Mark Harper, attending anesthesiologist in the UK and Norway, researcher, and author (recorded 7-18-23). Dr. Harper describes how, although keeping patients warm during surgery was a significant part of his job, he drew a fascination towards cold-water swimming and its impact on one's mental health.
Dr. Harper describes the research that he has been a part of in the area of cold-water swimming and the future of the research. He describes the benefits, as well as the precautions, of cold-water swimming. Dr. Harper also shares with the listeners about Mental Health Swims, a mental health peer support community that hosts free, safe, and inclusive swim meet ups and Chill UK, a nonprofit that provides courses in cold-water swimming to improve mental health.
Finally, Dr. Harper describes his book: Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure. To learn more about Dr. Harper, check out his website at drmarkharper.com. You'll can also find Dr. Harper on Twitter @WildSwimDoctor and Instagram @TheWildSwimDoctor.
If you find value in the podcast, please consider buying Al a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/allevin. There, you can buy Al a one-time cup (or cups) of coffee or become a member to purchase coffee for him monthly. Not only will this help to caffeinate him up, but it will also help to offset the cost of the podcast hosting site, maintain and update his equipment and support the amount of time that it takes in order to produce the show.
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with him as a coach/consultant or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Shannon Walker, founder and CEO of Northwest Battle Buddies (recorded 7-11-23). Shannon describes her passion for training dogs and how she came to train service dogs for military veterans who are living with PTSD.
Shannon explains the process; from five months of training the dogs, to receiving detailed information on the veterans seeking service dogs, to pairing the dog with a veteran, and finally an additional five weeks of training the veteran and their new service dog together.
Hear how these dogs have changed the lives of the veterans. You'll hear about how a service dog may pull a veteran out of a panic attack or even disrupt the veteran's suicidal thoughts and much more. To learn more about Shannon and Northwest Battle Buddies, please check out their website at northwestbattlebuddies.org.
If you find value in the podcast, please consider buying Al a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/allevin. There, you can buy Al a one-time cup (or cups) of coffee or become a member to purchase coffee for him monthly. Not only will this help to caffeinate him up, but it will also help to offset the cost of the podcast hosting site, maintain and update his equipment and support the amount of time that it takes in order to produce the show.
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with him as a coach/consultant or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Craig Stanland, former account manager of a large tech company, formerly incarcerated in federal prison, and now a Reinvention Architect (recorded 6-7-23). Craig describes how he had it all; a wonderful wife, a fantastic job, multiple homes, beautiful cars, expensive watches. Craig would spend most days shopping at extravagant stores and bouncing into fancy restaurants for meals and drinks. He was a VIP at some of the best restaurants in Greenwich and Manhattan. But this wasn't enough. He wanted more.
Craig saw his financial numbers falling as he was paying less attention to his large clients than his flashy, materialistic lifestyle. He had to make a choice and he saw only one option: commit fraud against one of the largest technology companies in the world. Hear how this path led to fifteen FBI agents at his front door, a sentence of twenty-four months of federal prison, three years of supervised release, and $834,307 in restitution.
Craig shares the struggles of losing absolutely everything and spending time in federal prison. He describes a vision of suicide that he couldn't shake for months and wasn't able to share. Hear how he then realizes what's most important and how he completely changed his life for the better.
As an author, a public speaker, and a coach (a Reinvention Architect), he now supports others in making positive changes in their lives! You can find out more about Craig and connect with him on his website at craigstanland.com. You can find his memoir, Blank Canvas: How I Reinvented My Life After Prison on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In addition, you can find Craig on LinkedIn and Instagram.
If you find value in the podcast, please consider buying Al a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/allevin. There, you can buy Al a one-time cup (or cups) of coffee or become a member to purchase coffee for him monthly. Not only will this help to caffeinate him up, but it will also help to offset the cost of the podcast hosting site, maintain and update his equipment and support the amount of time that it takes in order to produce the show.
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with him as a coach/consultant or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday May 28, 2023
Sunday May 28, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Hal Hughes, former police officer, former MMA fighter, and current psychotherapist (recorded 4-16-23). Hal shares his story of two separate work-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that led him into a deep, dark depression, an opioid addiction, and a diagnosis of both post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.
At one point, Hal was on eight psychiatric medications and underwent electric shock therapy (ECT). He was also desperate enough to do whatever he needed to in order to get his hands on opioids. It wasn't until he heard his young child say, "I want my old daddy back" that Hal got serious about his recovery.
Hear how he changed the trajectory of his recovery and then jumped on an unconventional path to become a psychotherapist. Hal is incredibly knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and inspirational. Check out HalHughes.com to find out more about Hal, the services he provides, or even to reach out to him. Don't miss this episode!
If you find value in the podcast, please consider buying Al a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/allevin. There, you can buy Al a one-time cup (or cups) of coffee or become a member to purchase coffee for him monthly. Not only will this help to caffeinate him up, but it will also help to offset the cost of the podcast hosting site, maintain and update his equipment and support the amount of time that it takes in order to produce the show.
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with him as a coach/consultant or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Mark Horowitz, a doctor in the neurobiology of depression and the pharmacology of antidepressants at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College London, a research fellow in the National Health Service in England and a co-founder of Outro on the topic of weaning antidepressants (recorded 2-12-23).
Dr. Horowitz describes, in detail, how antidepressants impact every system of our body, rather than simply the brain. He describes his own personal challenges of weaning off of antidepressants and explains how, and why, online support groups were more beneficial to him than any doctor or any of his academic studies.
Dr. Horowitz also describes how Outro, soon to be launched in the US, is supporting people in the process of weaning off of their antidepressants.
This episode is a must for anybody who is on an antidepressant, considering an antidepressant, or contemplating weaning off of an antidepressant.
To find out more about Dr. Horowitz, check out his website at markhorowitz.org. There, you'll find his academic papers, videos, a blog, and much more. Find out more about Outro at outro.com.
If you find value in my podcast, please consider buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/allevin. There, you can buy me a one-time cup (or cups) of coffee or become a member to purchase coffee for me monthly. Not only will this help to caffeinate me up, but it will also help to offset the cost of the podcast hosting site, maintain and update my equipment and support the amount of time that it takes in order to produce the show.
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Mar 26, 2023
Sunday Mar 26, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Peggy Van de Plassche, former banker and venture capitalist on the topic of microdosing psychedelics (recorded 11-13-22). Peggy grew up in low-income housing in an industrial area of the North of France raised by a struggling, single, narcissistic mother. During part of her childhood, she was also living with a stepfather who was not only majorly depressed, but was very mean towards Peggy. Peggy's only sibling passed away in an accident when Peggy was only seventeen years old.
These situations gave Peggy a long history of anxiety and phobias that began in her childhood. Once Peggy was able to start working, she moved up the corporate ladder quickly. However, this only brought on more anxiety and self-sabotaging behaviors.
A long and slow path of healing brought Peggy to the concept of microdosing psilocybin. Peggy spent a great deal of time researching the topic before she started on her own journey. Hear Peggy describe her microdosing, as well as two guided macrodosing trips that led to incredible self-exploration and learning.
Peggy has since quit her corporate work in order to focus full-time on her writing, sharing her story of personal transformation. Learn more about Peggy by checking out her website at peggyvandeplassche.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Feb 26, 2023
Sunday Feb 26, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Kody Green, motivational speaker and content creator with over one million followers on TikTok, where he is known as The Schizophrenic Hippie (recorded 12-2-22). Kody shares the challenges of being raised by a single mother who was living with schizoaffective disorder. He shares that, even knowing the symptoms of serious mental illness, he didn't seek out for help immediately when he was struggling with symptoms similar to his mother.
In order to shut down the auditory and visual hallucinations, Kody took to any drugs he could get his hands on. Fearful of sleep, he would take uppers and stay awake for days at a time. Finally, after being incarcerated for nearly a year due to injuring a driver in another vehicle after he had fallen asleep at the wheel, Kody knew he needed to reach out for help.
Kody decided to start documenting his own story through videos for his own learning. Little did he know, those videos would lead him to become a TikTok sensation with over one million followers. You'll find Kody on TikTok @SchizophrenicHippie, where he educates people on the topic of schizophrenia. Sometimes using incredibly funny humor, Kody shares his lived experience and wealth of knowledge to support those living with schizophrenia and their family members and friends. Kody is incredibly intelligent and down-to-earth and many people are clearly benefiting from his very vulnerable approach to advocacy.
Kody is in the process of writing a book titled, Mentally Ill Influencer, where he helps others better understand how to use TikTok, YouTube, and other social media platforms to advocate for mental illness. If you'd like to learn more about Kody, check out his website at KodyGreen.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Jan 29, 2023
Sunday Jan 29, 2023
In this episode, Al interviews Kaitlynne Yancy, a navy veteran and the Associate Director of Governmental Affairs of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) (recorded 10-26-22). Kaitlynne shares her own story of trauma that she has experienced in her personal life. She also shares what the IAVA is doing to address and eliminate active military and veteran suicides.
You can find out more about Kaitlynne here and the IAVA by going to their website. You can also find the IAVA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Dec 25, 2022
Sunday Dec 25, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews CeCe Cheng, founder of ShareWell, a mental health company that provides virtual peer support services (recorded 10-24-22). From the fall of 2019 through October 2020, CeCe found herself in an emotionally abusive relationship that included daily gaslighting, pathological lying, and severe manipulation.
While CeCe had a strong support network of friends, family, and medical professionals, she had a sense that what she really needed was a support group of other women who had been through a similar experience. Struggling to find such a support group, CeCe created her own. From there, she founded ShareWell that allows people to find various support groups related to a multitude of topics from domestic abuse to trauma, to depression, and so much more. If one is unable to find a group that fits their need, they are able to create their own support group for that particular topic.
CeCe shares her story of living through a severely emotionally abusive relationship and how she founded ShareWell. Find out more about CeCe and ShareWell by going to sharewellnow.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Steve Lamberti, professor of psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) where he serves as Academic Chief of the Community Division and as the Chair of the Research Subject Review Board for Behavioral and Social Sciences, on the topic of psychosis (recorded 10-12-22).
In this fascinating interview you'll hear Dr. Lamberti explain the primary symptoms of a psychosis, share which mental illnesses may include psychosis, discuss single-episode events, and much, much more.
You can find more information about Dr. Lamberti, and his biography here. And here you can find his LinkedIn page. For additional information on psychosis, visit the NAMI website.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Nick Jonsson, keynote speaker, author, and co-founder of Executives' Global Network (EGN)-Singapore, an executive peer network (recorded 9-19-22). Nick speaks of his own personal experience dealing with loneliness and depression as a top-level executive. In his case, alcohol was his outlet. His mental health struggles were accompanied by physical ailments.
Hear these stories and how Nick benefited from sharing his story with others who were struggling. Nick now shares is story publicly and in his memoir, "Executive Loneliness", in hopes of helping others. He also co-founded EGN-Singapore. This is a global peer network in which peers get to speak on the topic of mental health with one another, amongst many other topics driven by the peers themselves.
Find out more about Nick on his website at nickjonsson.com. There, you can also locate several other social network platforms in which you will find Nick.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Geralyn Ritter, executive vice president at Oregon, trauma survivor, and author (recorded 9-8-22). May 12, 2015 started out as a typical day for Geralyn. She was on a train that she had taken many times. Only this time, soon after leaving the Philadelphia station on a train that would normally be a short ride to her home, she felt some unusual shaking as she had stood up to get something from her briefcase that was on a luggage rack. She grabbed the luggage rack with an unbelievable sensation that the train was tipping.
Later, she was to find out that the Amtrak 188 train was traveling at a speed of 106 mph on a curve designed for a speed of 50 mph. After screaming, realizing that the train actually was tipping, her next memory was waking up several days later in the ICU of a hospital with a breathing tube down her throat.
Geralyn describes how her family, too, struggled to even find her after the tragic accident, as she was clinging to life as a Jane Doe. She shares her incredible, inspirational story of surviving through unimaginable physical injuries, terrible pain, and debilitating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Hear how this tragedy changed the trajectory of Geralyn's work and inspired her to write a memoir in the hopes of helping others. You can find her memoir, Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma & Healing, at BoneByBoneBook.com. You can also find out more about Geralyn on her website, GeralynRitter.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Aug 28, 2022
Sunday Aug 28, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Doug Klein, family physician and a professor at the University of Alberta on the topic of Parks Prescriptions (recorded 6-20-22).
Dr. Klein speaks in general about the incredibly mental and physical health benefits of getting outside, exercising, and spending time in nature. From improved heart health to decreasing stress and anxiety and much more, Dr. Klein shares some of the data from research on the topic.
Dr. Klein also describes the Parks Prescriptions program that began in British Columbia. While Parks Prescriptions began as a grassroots movement in the United States over a decade ago, PaRX, created in 2020, is Canada’s first national, evidence-based nature prescription program. Dr. Klein is now a proud prescriber, as PaRx recently launched in Alberta.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Jul 31, 2022
Sunday Jul 31, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Charlie Kratsch, founder and CEO of Infinite Campus (recorded 6-1-22). Ten years ago, Charlie's seventeen year-old son had a paranoid, psychotic episode. Charlie realized, this being the first time ever having to access it, how complicated the mental health system is; from a 72-hour hold, to finding a bed hours outside of the city limits for his son, to finding proper after-care.
After this experience, Charlie began to learn more and more about the broken mental health system. In October of 2021, Charlie announced that his foundation, the Infinite Campus Foundation, would be offering a $1 million prize to one or more organizations who would build a web-based, mental health care network.
Hear much more about Charlie's son's psychotic episode and Charlie's struggle to understand the complicated mental health system in order to support his son. Additionally, you'll hear up-to-date information on the $1 million prize money and the plan to begin to develop a one-stop, web-based mental health care network.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Jun 26, 2022
Sunday Jun 26, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Lorraine Montez, film producer, actor, and writer (recorded 5-9-22). Lorraine shares her own personal story of depression that began at a young age. She experienced death for the first time at just eight years old, when her eldest brother died tragically in an airplane crash. She describes living with her father who was a World War II veteran struggling with undiagnosed PTSD and a "rager" who would, at times, become physically aggressive for the slightest of things. Lorraine lost an uncle to suicide and her mother struggled with depression, as well.
In addition to sharing her own personal struggles of depression, which continue to this day, she also shares about her successful producing, acting, and writing career. She is currently working on a theatre piece, titled The Well, that is a dark comedy musical that provides a social commentary on depression and mental illness. The plan is to adapt the theatre production into a screenplay.
You can find out more about The Well at thewellmusical.com. You can find out more about Lorraine on her website lorrainemontez.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday May 29, 2022
Sunday May 29, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews John Callas, Emmy-nominated Hollywood director, writer, producer, and author. John talks about the incredible amount of trauma he endured as a child.
John's father died ten days after his third birthday. John describes how that was the start of everything falling apart. At age twelve John was sent away to military school and suffered physical abuse at the hands of his peers that was an accepted part of the school. He describes his three years of military as "absolute hell".
John shares these stories and much more, as well as how he was able to persevere and make his way to Hollywood.
Eventually, John decided to share his story in the hopes of helping others through their own struggles. John's memoir, When the Rain Stops, was published in April of 2021. You can find John on Twitter @johnpcallas learn much more about him on his website at johncallas.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Apr 24, 2022
Sunday Apr 24, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Mark Rasenick, distinguished professor of physiology & biophysics, as well as psychiatry, the Director of the Biomedical Neuroscience Training Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and a research career scientist at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (recorded 3-16-22).
Dr. Rasenick speaks about research he has conducted that will allow a doctor to diagnose a patient with depression based on one biomarker in a simple blood test. In addition to a diagnosis, using the very same biomarker, a doctor would be able to determine whether or not an antidepressant will work after only one week of usage.
Dr. Rasenick hopes to secure additional funding in order to expand his research and eventually develop this screener which could one day be available through your family doctor.
To find out much more about Dr. Rasenick and his research, visit PaxNeuroScience.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Mar 27, 2022
Sunday Mar 27, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Deb Robison, licensed social worker and project administrator at the Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs at Miami University (recorded 2-28-22). Deb describes the Ohio School Wellness Initiative, a grant-funded program with a goal of ensuring that all students and staff, especially the most vulnerable, will have access to mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and wellness services and supports.
Working with eighty, diverse schools in eight different regions of Ohio, Deb describes this three-component framework that includes a statewide Student Assistance Program (SAP) model, strengthening specialized interventions for youth and addressing staff mental wellness.
Check out these websites for more information on Deb and Miami University's Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs (CSBMHP) or the Ohio School Wellness Initiative (OSWI).
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Corey Dixon, actor, public speaker, and mental health advocate (recorded 2-3-22). Corey talks about dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression since being bullied in school as a child. Hear how he was dragged outside of school by a classmate at one point and beat up on the school grounds.
As a young actor, perhaps based partially on jealousy, the bullying continued into high school. Corey eventually found some refuge by transferring to a different school. Through the alternative high school, and with the support of his father, Corey started an online radio station called 401 Radio. After high school, Corey continued with the radio station and his acting.
After acting in several commercials, Corey's break that got him recognized was having a part on an episode of Degrassi. However, in 2016, Corey had a tragic accident; a fall off a 30' cliff that nearly ended his life. After many surgeries and a year in a hospital and rehabilitation facility, Corey is getting back into acting. He's also now publicly sharing his story and advocating around mental health.
You can learn more about Corey by checking out his website at coreydixon.com. You'll also find him on Twitter and Instagram at coreydixon33 and on Facebook at coreydixon.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
In this episode, Al interviews Ricky Sapp, former NFL Linebacker and current inspirational speaker (recorded 1-6-22). Ricky speaks of the challenges he had in school as a young boy. Kicked out of high school, Ricky ended up in an alternative high school his Sophomore year. Having found a coach who believed in him, football and basketball helped him get through high school.
Ricky was recruited heavily out of high school and joined the Clemson Tigers in 2006. This was a huge change from high school and Ricky started to experience a great deal of anxiety and depression, even throwing up before games. At one point, Ricky even experienced suicidal thoughts and nearly left college to return home.
In 2010, Ricky was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. At this point, Ricky was still dealing with anxiety and depression. Prior to signing on with the NY Jets in 2011, Coach Rex Ryan required Ricky to first meet with a psychologist. After signing, he was required to continue with weekly therapy. This was the first time that Ricky actually opened up to a therapist and even began taking medication.
Hear about the incredible work Ricky now does through the Ricky Sapp Foundation, encouraging youth to "Dream Big, Live Big". In addition to his public speaking, The Ricky Sapp Foundation has provided hundreds of kids with support such as backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, new shoes and more.
In addition to his foundation's website, you'll find Ricky on Instagram at rsappfoundation, on Facebook at RickySapp, on Twitter @sapp91, and on Youtube at Ricky Sapp. He also has a website at rickysapp.com and a podcast called "Talk to Me Tuesday", which you can find on just iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast hosting sites.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Dec 26, 2021
Sunday Dec 26, 2021
In this episode, Al interviews Lesley Moffat, author, classroom high school band teacher, public speaker, and mom (recorded 11-17-21). Leslie shares her story of being an overwhelmed teacher and the consequences it had on her mental and physical health. After multiple surgeries, a regimen of fourteen different prescription medications a day, and dealing with depression, she decided she needed to make some serious life changes!
Hear how she learned to change her lifestyle through various means to improve both her mental and physical health. A teacher at heart, she has designed her own program to help people who find themselves chronically sick due to excess stress and exhaustion to reclaim their health so they can reclaim their lives.
Her current books include: I Love My Job, But It's Killing Me and Love the Job, Lose the Stress. You can find out more about Lesley and her work at mpowerededucator.com.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Nov 28, 2021
Sunday Nov 28, 2021
In this episode, Al interviews Michele Rosenthal, trauma recovery specialist, author, and mental health advocate (recorded 10-25-21). Michele speaks candidly about an incredibly traumatic experience she had at the age of thirteen. For a typical infection, she was given a typical antibiotic that caused a reaction that was anything but typical. Her body had a reaction to the antibiotic and had to rid itself of the medicine any way it could, which was through the skin. The reaction turned her into a full-body burn victim. She lost 100% of the first two layers of skin and had a near death experience.
For the next twenty-four years she struggled with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and many mysterious physical illnesses that no specialist in Manhattan could diagnose -- and the absolute inability to speak about what happened to me.
After five years of talk therapy, she had a complete physical and mental breakdown. She decided to take recovery into her own hands. She researched and trained and finally created her own trauma recovery protocol. She has now written three books and spends her life supporting others on their recovery path from trauma.
Her three books are: "Your Life After Trauma: Powerful Practices to Reclaim Your Identity", "Heal Your PTSD: Dynamic Strategies that Work", and "Before the World Intruded: Conquering the Past and Creating the Future, a Memoir".
You can find out more about Michele and how to work with her by visiting her website at: MyTraumaCoach.com. You'll also find her on Twitter @MyTraumaCoach and Facebook @MyTraumaCoach and LinkedIn and on Instagram at Michele.Rosenthal.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Oct 31, 2021
Sunday Oct 31, 2021
In this episode, Al interviews Anne Moss Rogers, public speaker, certified suicide prevention trainer, NAMI Virginia Board Member, and an award-winning author (recorded 10-6-21). She is also the mother of Charles, a young man who lived with depression and addiction and died by suicide.
Anne Moss talks very candidly about her son, Charles, who died by suicide at the young age of twenty on June 5, 2015. She describes the many years of chaos in the household due to Charles' substance abuse and mental illness. She talks about the ways she and her family tried to support Charles...and the signs of his suicidal ideation that they may have missed.
Anne Moss describes the challenges of getting Charles to get accept more professional help later in his life in a system for which he had become jaded; jaded due to the shaming he, and his mother, had received by professionals around his substance abuse.
Now Anne Moss has turned this tragedy into a mission to save the lives of others who may be considering suicide. She has authored two books: Diary of a Broken Mind: A Mother's Story, a Son's Suicide, and the Haunting Lyrics He Left Behind and Emotionally Naked: A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk.
You can learn more about Anne Moss on her website annemossrogers.com and you can read her blog posts and more on her site titled, emotionallynaked.com. You'll also find Anne Moss on Twitter @annemossrogers, on Facebook at AnneMoss Nimocks Rogers, and on Instagram @AnneMossRogers.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Sunday Sep 26, 2021
Sunday Sep 26, 2021
In this episode, Al interviews Tracey Bear, a PhD student who is on a joint venture with Massey University and Reddit Institute and Plant and Food Research (part of a wider research program looking at how nutrition can impact well-being), on the topic of the Gut-Brain Axis and depression (recorded 8-25-21).
Tracey describes the Gut-Brain Axis and the recent research that shows that this axis may play a key role in the regulation of brain function and behavior. She shares the types of foods that are best for our body and our mind and describes inflammation and how it impacts our health.
Tracey describes the makeup of the gut flora and its microbiome. Tracey goes on to describe the various microbiota that are present in the gut and how dietary intervention may prevent, or possibly assist in the recovery of, depression.
If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.