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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 May 05, 2019
Sunday May 05, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews Vincent Wales, author and co-host of The Psych Central Show (recorded 4-3-19). Vince is the first guest on the show with Dysthymia, also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder. After Vince's mother left him when he was five-years old, his grandparents adopted him and raised him.
After a couple of encounters with friends who mentioned how depressed he seemed, Vince decided to seek out counseling at the age of twenty. While it took Vince many sessions before he'd open up to his therapist, he was diagnosed with Persistent Depressive Disorder at his very first appointment. It wasn't until twenty years later that Vince decided to try medication.
Vince is the author of four Speculative Fiction novels and is in the process of writing his fifth (the third of a trilogy). You can find all four of his novels here. You can find out more about Vince, including links to other interviews and how to book him for an appearance, on his website at VincentMWales.com. Vince is also a co-host of the very popular Psych Central Show podcast. Vince and his co-host, Gabe Howard, speak candidly with experts on various mental health topics.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
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.
Sunday Apr 21, 2019
Sunday Apr 21, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews social worker, Dr. Derek Chechak (recorded 2-25-19). Derek shares his own struggles with mental illness that began as panic attacks from the young age of sixteen years-old. He then describes having his first bout of major depression at twenty and a second one at age twenty-seven.
Derek talks about medication and other types of therapies. Although Derek had genetic testing done to help determine the best type of medications to treat his depression, he's been on fifteen different ones over the last five years. He's also describes having Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment.
Derek shares his thoughts regarding a strong interest of his; workplace wellness and the impacts of bullying and/or harassment by an employer.
You can find Derek on Twitter @Dr_Dissonance.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
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.
Sunday Apr 07, 2019
Sunday Apr 07, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews Gabe Howard, bipolar speaker, writer, and podcaster (recorded 3-11-19). Gabe describes what it was like living with undiagnosed bipolar disorder for many years, as well as life after his diagnosis. From debilitating depressions that included suicidal thoughts and kept him in bed for days at a time, to manias that included hypersexuality and drug use. Gabe also shares his thoughts on managing medications and their possible side effects.
Gabe is a writes for PsychCentral and is the co-host of PsychCentral's two podcasts: 1) The Psych Central Show and, 2) A Bipolar, a Schizophrenic, and a Podcast. Gabe is also the author of Mental Illness is an Asshole: And Other Observations.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
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.
Sunday Mar 24, 2019
Sunday Mar 24, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews Joe Barksdale, NFL offensive tackle (recorded 3-13-19). Joe returns to the show approximately one year after his first interview on The Depression Files. Being in a much better place mentally than he was one year ago, Joe discusses the abuse from his parents that led him to a first suicide attempt at the very young age of nine years old. Joe talks stigma, football, and music. Hear about the therapy he's been going to for the past year that includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and how it has supported him in working through some more recent trauma that Joe has experienced.
I would like to note that two days after my interview with Joe, he called me to inform me of a brain scan that confirmed his belief that his depression has absolutely & conclusively no link to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) whatsoever. He was informed by the doctors that if they were not informed of his status as a professional football player, they would never have guessed it from his scans. Joe's belief that CTE has no connection to his depression has been an important piece of Joe's advocacy.
In addition to press releases and news regarding Joe, you can learn more about him and hear his music on his website at josephbarksdale.com. You can also purchase his first album, Butterflies, Rainbows & Moonbeams on Amazon.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
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.
Sunday Mar 10, 2019
Sunday Mar 10, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews author, podcaster, and retired US Air Force Master Sergeant, David Soto Jr. (recorded 2-21-19). After retiring from the US Air Force, David spent close to three years traveling and living in a van. The excitement quickly unraveled and, having a great deal of time alone, David did a significant amount of introspection. He came to realize that he needed help. He finally realized that he had experienced a fair amount of anger throughout his life, he had long assumed he had ADD, and he eventually realized that he had pulled himself out of what seemed to have been depression on several occasions.
David sought out support from the Veterans Association and believed that most of his troubles were past him. However, after many years apart from a woman he could not forget, David reunited with her recently. They quickly conceived a child and became engaged. While David believed he was now living the life he had dreamed of, he fell into the deepest depression he had ever experienced; one that included suicidal thoughts that he could not escape!
You can find David's blog posts on his Medium site. You can also find out more about David on his personal site at DavidSotoWrites.com. You'll find all of his published books, such as his best-selling Pass Your PT Test: An Unconventional Guide to Passing the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment and his latest fictional novel Los Chocolates De Esperanza Diamanté: A Tale of Love, Death, and Chocolate, here at David's Amazon author page. Finally, you'll also find David on Twitter @davidesotojr.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
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.
Sunday Feb 24, 2019
Sunday Feb 24, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews inspirational speaker and podcaster, Sean Adam (recorded 2-6-19). Sean describes how shame prevented him from reaching out for any type of professional help through his first four bouts of major depression. Through time, books, self-exploration and professional support, Sean was able to realize how the romantic relationships he chose to be in (hero-victim) impacted his mental health. Rather than focus on being with and supporting others, he finally realized that he needed to focus on his own physical and mental health. Hear his journey through his five bouts of major depression and his path to recovery.
You can find out much more about Sean on his website www.togetherwerisespeaking.com. In addition, you'll find him on Instagram @adambomb8 and @wildheartspodcast. You can also find him on Facebook. Finally, The Wild Hearts Podcast, in which Sean co-hosts, is hosted on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
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.
Sunday Feb 10, 2019
Sunday Feb 10, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews Jeremy Schneider, marriage and family therapist, author, public speaker, and childhood trauma survivor (recorded 1-28-19). Jeremy speaks very openly and honestly about a significant amount of childhood trauma that he had experienced up until the age of eighteen. He describes how the trauma has impacted his life and the incredible amount of work that he has done, and continues to do, in order to work through this trauma. Jeremy also describes the debilitating nature of some of the depression that he has experienced.
In addition to working as a marriage and family therapist, Jeremy is an author. He wrote Fatherhood in 40-Minute Snapshots, which explores the challenges and joys of being a dad while sharing insights and a modern perspective on fatherhood. Jeremy also has a free eBook: Fatherhood Snapshots: The Early Years. Learn more about Jeremy and find more of his writing on his website at www.jgs.net. Finally, you'll find Jeremy on Twitter @JGS_Author.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
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.
Sunday Jan 27, 2019
Sunday Jan 27, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews Jacob Moore, filmmaker and founder of NoStigmas mental health support community (recorded 1-23-19). After losing his father at the young age of six, Jake struggled with undiagnosed, debilitating depression and anxiety for much of his life. Panic attacks related to his physical health were frequent and he eventually turned to booze and drugs to self-medicate. After working as a bartender that supported his drinking habit, he landed an incredible job opportunity that allowed him to make six figures before the age of thirty. However, unable to get the partying lifestyle under control, he lost his job and escaped to Argentina. Hear about an odd twist on the flight to Argentina that was life-changing!
Jake has now founded NoStigmas.org, a mental health support community. You'll hear Jake describe his holistic 5 Bridges wellness plan to support one's mental health. You can learn more about Jake at jacobmoore.com. You'll also find him on Instagram @Jacob Moore. In addition, he's on Twitter @nostigmas and Facebook @nostigmas.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
In this episode, Al interviews Nick Emeigh, Director of Outreach and Development for NAMI Bucks County, Pennsylvania (recorded 11-19-18). Nick, who is diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder, anxiety, depression, and OCD candidly shares his story that includes several hospitalizations, suicide attempts, self-medicating with heavy drugs, an arrest and much more! Nick explains the differences between Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia. He also describes the stigma he often feels when he mentions the diagnosis of Schizoaffective disorder.
You can read more about Nick on the Bucks County, PA NAMI website and you'll also find him on FaceBook.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews T.J. Smith, hockey coach and mental health consultant (recorded 11-5-17). T.J. estimates that he struggled in silence with depression for over ten years before getting the support he needed. T.J. struggled with racing thoughts that greatly impaired his sleep, a gambling addiction, and binge drinking. After reaching a breaking point and realizing he needed help, T.J. was diagnosed with major depression, anxiety, and OCD. T.J. had three inpatient hospitalizations in a relatively short period of time. He describes a day of inpatient, as well as what it's like to receive Electric Convulsive Therapy (ECT).
T.J.'s most recent work is that of creating a peer support group in St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador. There have recently been a couple of articles written about T.J.: New Peer Support Group in St. Anthony Bridging Gap in Mental Health Services and Mental Health Support Group Starting in St. Anthony. You can find T.J. on Twitter @TJSmith61 and you can reach him by email at teejay_68@hotmail.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Dec 16, 2018
Sunday Dec 16, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Michael Kuhne, a community college English instructor (recorded 6-13-18). Michael describes his first suicidal thoughts that occurred at age 14, as he contemplated taking his own life while holding a loaded .22 caliber rifle. He goes on to describe two other bouts of major depression and an unhealthy coping mechanism of over-exercising. Michael describes learning later in life what it means to be an adult child of an alcoholic. Now, an instructor at a community college, Michael teaches many students who have had their own traumas and mental health challenges. Michael shares how he is able to empathetically support them.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Dec 02, 2018
Sunday Dec 02, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Mike Stroh, mental health advocate and founder of Starts with Me (recorded 10-4-18). At age twelve, due to anxiety, Mike turned to drugs. A drug-induced psychotic episode from shrooming at age 12 didn't prevent Mike from continuing down a path of serious drugs. Even after being convicted of trafficking weed at age sixteen, Mike experimented with drugs such as MDMA and ecstasy throughout his high school years. His college days became more challenging. Mike's brother had a first psychotic episode and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He also found himself on a campus that became a hotbed of political activism due to the 911 attacks. He began to experience more symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts.
After college, Mike turned to online gambling, which allowed him to continue to get high on a regular basis. Mike eventually got married and and entered a three-week outpatient program to deal with his drug use. Now clean, Mike has founded an organization called Starts with Me. Starts With Me is a company of ‘Peers’ leading a post-institutional mental health care movement. They create platforms to support gaps in education and services along with empowering families and individuals to increase their capacity for well-being.
In addition to the Starts with Me website, you'll find Mike on Twitter @StartsWithMe and on Instagram @StartsWithMe. You can also find him on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Nov 18, 2018
Sunday Nov 18, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Ethan Fisher, middle school, high school, and college athlete keynote speaker (recorded 10-15-18). Ethan shares the challenges he faced beginning from the time he was in the eighth grade. Even as a popular kid and the captain of the golf team, Ethan began drinking in middle school. He would drink while at school and while on the golf course. His depression was at its worst, as was his drinking, from the ages of 18-23 and when Ethan found himself, "drinking every night in order to die".
At the age of 23, after downing a bottle of wine at a party and passing out, Ethan made the tragic decision to drive home. The next thing he knew, he was in a hospital and a nurse was waking him up to explain to him that he had been driving on the wrong side of the road and killed a man in a head-on collision.
After failing out of five colleges and doing time in prison for vehicular homicide, Ethan did graduate from college. He now shares his story with students from middle school through college and speaks on the topics of depression and addiction in order to save lives. You can find out much more about Ethan at ethan-fisher.com and lifecon.org. You'll also find Ethan on Twitter @life_CON and @UNDRAFTED_EFISH.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show on iTunes. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Nov 04, 2018
Sunday Nov 04, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Daniel Garza, HIV advocate, public speaker, and podcaster. From the age of 13, Daniel hid his sexuality until he was "outed" to his family at age 17. He started drinking in his mid-teens and was heavily addicted by the age of twenty, doing crack and cocaine on a regular basis. At the age of thirty, Daniel was diagnosed with AIDS, at the age of 45 he was diagnosed with anal cancer, and at the age of 47 he was diagnosed with diabetes. Daniel speaks very openly about these physical ailments, as well as his mental health and the diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and health-related PTSD.
You can find out much more about Daniel on his Facebook page, his YouTube page, and on Instagram. Make sure to check out his podcast: Put it Together. Finally, Daniel Tweets @LilMesican.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Oct 21, 2018
Sunday Oct 21, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Anthony Piparo, performance psychologist, suicide loss survivor, and international best-selling author (recorded 10-8-18). Dr. Piparo shares his own personal story of depression and how natural medicines, supplements, and diet supported his recovery. He also discusses the tragic loss of his son to suicide, strategies for one to utilize when working towards the recovery of depression, and much more!
Dr. Piparo is the author of Freedom from Depression: 6 Keys to Eliminating Emotional Pain. You can find out much more about Dr. Piparo on his website. In addition, you will find him on LinkedIn and on Twitter @tonypiparo.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Oct 07, 2018
Sunday Oct 07, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Justin Birckbichler, testicular cancer survivor, men's health activist, educational technology coach, and founder of A Ballsy Sense of Tumor (recorded 7-11-18). At age 25, Justin was informed that he had testicular cancer and would need to have a testicle removed. After ten weeks of chemotherapy, Justin soon realized that fighting cancer wasn't as difficult as surviving cancer in regard to his mental and emotional health. Justin shares, very candidly, his story of cancer and depression.
Much of this passionate and outspoken men's health and cancer activist's work can be found on his website, A Ballsy Sense of Tumor. In addition, you'll find Justin on Instagram, Facebook, and tweeting at @absotTC.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Sep 23, 2018
Sunday Sep 23, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews John Dickson, writer, mental health advocate, and father (recorded 6-6-18). John shares the struggles he's faced in dealing with over forty years of depression. Living in rural Canada, John describes finding out two days after a suicide attempt that it would take months before he could even apply for support. He opens up for the first time about the abduction of his two brothers by his step-father and describes how he recently given a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
John explains how he uses journaling about gratitude and meditation now to support his mental health. You can read much of his writing on his blogs at Jots and Thoughts: Recovery Through Gratitude and The 3 of Me. In addition, you can find John on Twitter @zelandroid009.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at thedepressionfiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Sep 09, 2018
Sunday Sep 09, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews US Navy veteran, Lee Plummer (recorded 7-23-18). Lee describes a challenging childhood, including being kidnapped for two days, before the age of ten, by his mother's boyfriend and the traumatic police rescue that followed. Lee shares his experience of being deployed to Afghanistan for a 7-8 month tour of duty. Upon return to the US, Lee, taking the advice of another veteran, chose not to share the struggles he was having mentally with the military so that he could quickly be reunited with his family. In the end, this decision cost him the loss of receiving many of the benefits that would provide him with the mental health support that he now faces.
Find out more about Lee on his blog and follow him on Twitter @LeeJPlummer.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at thedepressionfiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Michael Weinstein, acute care surgeon (recorded 7-12-18). Realizing that he could no longer do the work of a surgeon due to the major depression he was suffering, Michael and his wife reached out to their family doctor, and close colleague, who convinced Michael to stop working in order to get help. Michael checked himself into an in-patient program for three months. Michael speaks candidly about being put into seclusion at one point and receiving more than ten sessions of Electric Convulsive Therapy (ECT).
Michael now shares his story publicly and is working at creating systems to better support the mental health of medical doctors. He has written about his own story in an article titled: Out of the Straitjacket and gives presentations on Surgeon Wellness, in which he discusses doctor burnout, the importance of self-care, and systems that promote the wellness of medical doctors. You can hear one of his presentations here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at thedepressionfiles.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Aug 12, 2018
Sunday Aug 12, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Charles Minguez, mental health advocate and aspiring journalist (recorded 5-16-18). Charles had his first suicide attempt at age thirteen. Before he reached his eighteenth birthday, he had been hospitalized three times. At age seventeen, Charles was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and major depression. Hear how Charles was originally misdiagnosed and medicated for bipolar disorder.
Now, ten years with no symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and having weaned completely off of his medication long ago, Charles has a blog and is working on writing his first book. Learn more about Charles and read much of his writing by visiting his blog at charlesminguez.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jul 29, 2018
Sunday Jul 29, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Jermaine Tolbert (AKA Nate Calloway), songwriter, author, and creator of Project: Genius of a Schizophrenic (recorded 3-16-18). Nate describes how he became paranoid after smoking what he believed to have been laced marijuana (or "gas") for seven months straight. He eventually lands in the hospital psychiatric ward for a ten-day stay and a diagnosis of depression and schizophrenia. Nate decides to walk away from a music deal with Pharrell Williams in order to learn more about his diagnosis and gain the knowledge that he believes was instrumental in his recovery. Nate is now in the process of writing a book, Remind Me to Think: The Genius Behind Crazy, which describes his triumph over the diagnosis. Sprinkled throughout the book you will also learn about some of his experiences navigating the music industry with such a diagnosis. Please check out Nate's GoFundMe page and consider contributing funds that will go towards the marketing and launch of his book!
You can learn more about Nate on his Facebook page, you can hear some of his music on Soundcloud, AND...you can get your own free copy of the first chapter of Nate's book! Finally, be sure to follow Nate on Twitter!
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jul 15, 2018
Sunday Jul 15, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Dan Ryder, educator, improviser, and design thinker (recorded 5-2-18). Dan describes how his family moved while he was in fifth grade, and the challenges he faced due to the move. This was the beginning of his lifelong struggles with depression, anxiety, anger and stress management. Dan shares what he has learned through hypnotherapy. Dan describes how he has come to terms, in the past couple of years, with the fact that he needed medication to support managing his family, his career, and his art.
You can follow Dan on Twitter @WickedDecent and learn more about him at DanRyder207.com. In addition, check out his book, Intention: Critical Creativity in the Classroom by clicking here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jul 01, 2018
Sunday Jul 01, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Mike Veny, author, drummer, motivational speaker, and mental health advocate (recorded 6-7-18). Mike describes a challenging childhood consisting of being hospitalized on three different occasions, being expelled from three schools, self-harming, having violent episodes at home, and attempting suicide several times...all by the time he finished tenth grade of high school.
After a significant depressive episode in 2011, Mike fell into advocating and speaking publicly on the topic of mental health. He has also recently published his own book, titled, Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero. Learn more about Mike and how to book him for an event on his website at mikeveny.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button now!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jun 17, 2018
Sunday Jun 17, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Mike Schlossberg, a Pennsylvania State Representative and author (recorded 5-28-18). Mike is best known in his State Representative position for his work around mental health and education. He has been open about his own struggles of depression and anxiety that began at age eighteen. Mike is also a published author. His first book, Tweets and Consequences, is an anthology about the varied ways elected officials have destroyed their careers via social media. Mike's newest book, just made available on June 5, 2018, is a science fiction novel titled, Redemption. In this story, the lead character, dealing with his own depression and anxiety, is tasked with obtaining a vaccine that will save humanity.
You can find out much more about Mike on his author page or his State Representative page. You'll also find Mike on Facebook and on Twitter. Finally, find out how to get your own copy of Redemption here!
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jun 03, 2018
Sunday Jun 03, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews writer, poet, and mental health advocate Rene Mullen (recorded 2-7-18). Rene describes a childhood of being bullied that eventually drove him to self-harm (cutting) while just a sixth grader. Rene also describes a messy breakup that his parents went through and his father's attempted suicide. After years of cutting and using alcohol to self-medicate, Rene finally found support while attending college. He eventually found poetry to be a venue that allowed him to unpack the issues of his past and to face reality.
Rene now writes, participates in Performance Poetry, and hosts his own podcast, Pen & Poet. You can find out much more about Rene, listen to the podcast, and check out his blog by going to renemullen.com. In addition, you'll find Rene on Twitter @RMullenWriter and Facebook.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.