Mental Health Podcasts

In this inspiring episode of Once Upon a Gene, I sit down with Samantha and Wesley Rogers, founders of Lottie’s Light Foundation, and proud parents of the incredible Lottie, who lives with a CERT1 mutation. The Rogers share the heartfelt story of how their journey with Lottie led to the creation of a foundation dedicated to empowering families, fostering connections, and encouraging others to find strength in the face of challenges. We explore how their mission encourages fighting for meaningful friendships, dreaming new dreams, and discovering untapped capacity for love and purpose. This conversation will leave you uplifted, motivated, and ready to celebrate the light that shines in every rare journey. Highlights: The heartfelt origin story of Lottie’s Light Foundation. Insights into Lottie’s personality, resilience, and the joy she brings to those around her. How the foundation inspires families to fight for friendships and redefine their dreams. Samantha and Wesley’s advice on finding your capacity in the hardest moments. Tips for building friendships and community in the rare disease world. A reminder of the power of community and the importance of showing up for Rare Disease Day. Mentioned in This Episode: Lottie’s Light Foundation Website Rare Disease Day 2025 in San Diego – Event details coming soon! Tips for building friendships and community in the rare disease world. Call to Action: Let’s spread the light! Share this episode with your friends and community to celebrate the resilience, strength, and brilliance of the rare disease journey. If you’re in San Diego or feeling adventurous, join us for Rare Disease Day 2025! Details coming soon. As always, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Once Upon a Gene. Your support helps bring these powerful stories to more ears!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, burned out, or like you're running on empty before your day even begins? In this episode, Diane Sieg emphasizes the importance of self-leadership in nursing to achieve well-being through intentional decision-making for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, introducing her CPR (Compassion, Presence, Recovery) framework as a self-care approach to combat burnout. She shares insights from her well-being coaching initiative, which showed improvements in stress, burnout, and engagement, leading to better retention and reduced turnover, and encourages daily commitment to self-care tailored to individual needs while fostering a culture of well-being. Tune in for powerful yet simple strategies for nurses and leaders to prioritize well-being, reclaim joy, and transform the way they care for themselves and others! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Richheimer, a genetic counselor at JScreen, to dig into the world of preconception and prenatal genetic testing. We explore the basics of carrier screening, how to interpret results, and the importance of genetic counseling for both new and experienced parents—especially those who already have a child with a rare disease. Natalie also sheds light on Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) and offers insight into talking with family members about genetic risks and results. Throughout our chat, Natalie emphasizes that knowledge truly is power when it comes to family planning and navigating the complexities of genetic information. We discuss strategies for deciding between natural pregnancy, IVF with genetic screening, and other alternatives, helping you feel more confident and informed about your options. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or seeking clarity in the midst of it, this episode offers valuable perspectives and heartfelt advice. Join us as we learn how to take charge of our genetic health and family-planning decisions with compassion and confidence. Finally, don’t forget about the Once Upon a Gene Revival—an uplifting event designed to support, educate, and connect rare disease caregivers. Registration is open now on my website. Links: JScreen Genetic Testing Instagram Once Upon A Gene Revival

What if your organization’s core values weren’t just words on a page but guiding principles that shaped every interaction, decision, and outcome? In this episode, Dr. Anne Gross discusses aligning an organization's mission, vision, and core values with daily practices to foster a culture of compassion, respect, and inclusion. She explains how her department interprets institutional values into meaningful behaviors, focusing on communication, team-building, and practical solutions to enhance the work environment and create a value-driven culture. Tune in as Dr. Renee Thompson and Dr. Anne Gross explore actionable strategies to bring core values to life, empower leaders, and create a thriving, inclusive workplace culture! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Show Notes: Transforming Pediatric Rare Disease Research with Dr. Ramin Eskandari In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ramin Eskandari, a pediatric neurosurgeon at MUSC who is revolutionizing rare disease research through his innovative work with biorepositories. Dr. Eskandari shares how his dedication to helping children and families has driven him to create a system that collects and preserves valuable CNS samples—residual materials that would otherwise be discarded. We discuss the incredible impact of these efforts on the future of rare disease therapeutics and how families can play an active role in advancing research. Highlights: Dr. Eskandari’s Path to Pediatric Neurosurgery The Inspiration Behind the Biorepository Project What Are Biorepositories and Why They Matter Advocating for Residual Sample Collection Overcoming Challenges in Setting Up a Biorepository Data Sharing and Expanding Access Scaling This Initiative to Other Institutions Links: Combined Brain The Medical University of South Carolina

Burnout is a workplace epidemic affecting not only nurses but also leaders, with far-reaching consequences for well-being and performance. In this episode, Dr. Perry Gee discusses burnout as a workplace condition defined by exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficiency, and identifies its causes as lack of control, incivility, and an inability to disconnect. He advocates for building resilience through fostering connections, setting boundaries, and engaging in purposeful, evidence-based self-care practices, and believes that control over practice, such as through certification, fosters resilience and well-being by empowering nurses and nurturing their sense of purpose. Tune in to explore the root causes of burnout, the importance of resilience, and actionable strategies to create healthier work environments for healthcare professionals! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Originally aired Jan 25th 2022; Have you ever had the same recurring healthcare issue that you just couldn’t find answers to? That’s what happened to one of my acquaintances recently. With her permission, I will be sharing her story of navigating the healthcare system in today’s episode. In this case study, I describe the full experience, feeling of frustration and fatigue of not getting the answers she was hoping for, and then how I encouraged her to advocate for herself. Listen to the full episode to learn: How we as healthcare providers can empathize with what patients are going through What patients can be doing in order to navigate the system more seamlessly & advocate for themselves Why follow-up is such a critical step in this line of work  What 4 lessons you can take away from this patients’ experience   Grab your drink of choice and join the conversation! Disclaimer The Healthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. Please speak with your own healthcare practitioner when seeking medical advice. Connect with Jennifer George: @bestobsessed_with_jenn | Instagram Jennifer George | Website @jenngeorge08) | Twitter Jennifer George | Facebook Click here to check out my book about connecting and communicating with patients to empower their experiences! Stay up to date on everything happening with the Healthcare Provider Happy Hour by subscribing to my weekly newsletter at www.jennifergeorge.co  Sponsorship Mindset Gap: Use code JENCAN20 at www.themindsetgap.com, a boutique consultancy firm arming employees and leaders with mindset tools to increase sales, bounce forward from adversity and reset intention.

Links & Resources: Follow Their Journey on Social Media Facebook: Paxtons Pioneers Instagram: Paxtons_Pioneers KCAL News Story Watch the in-depth feature on their family’s advocacy here: KCAL Rare Disease Coverage

What if the key to making 2025 your best year ever wasn’t about setting resolutions but about redefining success and taking control of your growth? In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson shares tips for making 2025 successful by taking responsibility for personal and professional growth, avoiding a victim mindset, and setting intentional goals. She also advises listeners to envision their ideal future and backward plan to achieve it, focus on self-development and service to others, embrace continuous learning, and take actionable steps towards written goals. Tune in and join Dr. Renee Thompson as she shares actionable strategies and powerful insights to help you achieve your goals, transform your mindset, and create the future you deserve! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

What if the first step to creating a truly inclusive workplace is simply recognizing who’s being left out? In this episode, DEI consultant Jessica Pettitt highlights that true inclusion starts with recognizing who is being excluded and encourages leaders to remain curious, ask questions, and challenge their own blind spots. She emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, disrupting routines to uncover unspoken norms, and committing to continuous learning to foster meaningful, lasting change. Tune in as Jessica Pettitt challenges conventional thinking on DEI, offering practical strategies and thought-provoking insights to help leaders foster workplaces where everyone truly belongs! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Originally aired Jan 11th 2022; Are you looking to move forward and create something new this year? My word for 2022 is ‘new,’ but not as in a ‘new year’ or a ‘new resolution,’ but rather as building something new. Seeing things from a new lens. In this episode I share 4 key strategies to implement, in order to let go of the past, and move forward by creating something new in the future. I discuss how you can implement these tactics into your everyday life, along with important considerations to keep in mind as you’re doing so.  Listen to the full episode to learn: What it really means to create & build something new for yourself Ways in which I decompress and find peace that you can implement to your everyday life  Why letting go of the past is critical in moving forward  How you can be proactive in situations, as opposed to being active or reactive  Grab your drink of choice and join the conversation! Disclaimer The Healthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. Please speak with your own healthcare practitioner when seeking medical advice. Connect with Jennifer George: @bestobsessed_with_jenn | Instagram Jennifer George | Website @jenngeorge08) | Twitter Jennifer George | Facebook Click here to check out my book about connecting and communicating with patients to empower their experiences! Stay up to date on everything happening with the Healthcare Provider Happy Hour by subscribing to my weekly newsletter at www.jennifergeorge.co  Sponsorship Mindset Gap: Use code JENCAN20 at www.themindsetgap.com, a boutique consultancy firm arming employees and leaders with mindset tools to increase sales, bounce forward from adversity and reset intention.

Chasing Glimmers, is all about finding the small, hopeful moments that shine through the darkest of times. Like you, Katie and I know how challenging the rare disease journey can be, but we also believe in the incredible power of connection, bravery and positivity. We'll share inspiring stories from the community, life lessons we've learned and explore how glimmers light our way forward. Let's chase those glimmers together! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Effie & Katie welcome guest Megan Gillet. Her daughter, Nellie, endures terminal Infantile MLD. Megan shares her unique journey of embracing life in all its vibrant complexity. Megan opens up about living with grief, disability, parenting challenges, fashion passions, crafting pursuits, and her love of nature—without confining herself to a single niche. She explains what it means to let life unfold authentically, finding the courage to sidestep society’s labels and expectations. Through candid conversation, Megan reveals her family’s determination to savor each moment, knowing that some of the hardest challenges lie ahead. It’s a powerful reminder that truly living isn’t about fitting into a box, but rather about spilling beyond its edges, leaving a trail of color, hope, and hard-won joy. Tune in for an inspiring glimpse into a life that refuses simple definitions—and learn how you, too, can find beauty and meaning in every shade of your own journey.

Creating a thriving, healthy work culture doesn’t happen by chance. It takes authenticity, connection, and a commitment to truly listen to your team. In this episode, Dr. Alquietta Brown emphasizes building a healthy work culture through authenticity, open communication, and meaningful connection. She highlights the importance of leaders being genuine, actively listening to their team, and fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals and organizational success. Tune in as Dr. Alquietta Brown shares powerful, actionable strategies for building trust, fostering engagement, and cultivating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to excel! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Dear Friends, The holidays can be a beautiful time of connection, joy, and celebration—but for caregivers, it can also be a season that amplifies the weight we carry every day. The expectations, the comparisons, the logistics of making life work for our kids—it all feels louder somehow. This episode is my friendship letter to you, my fellow caregivers, during this holiday season. It’s for the days when the to-do lists are endless, the appointments keep coming, and the social invitations feel more isolating than joyful. It’s for the moments when you catch yourself scrolling through social media, comparing your life to others, and questioning if you’re doing enough—or if you’re enough. Spoiler: You are. I recorded this as a 10-minute refuge for you—a place to breathe, to feel seen, and to remind yourself that you are not alone. Together, we’re navigating the chaos, the exhaustion, and the love that grounds it all. If you’re like me, you might feel the weight of it all a little more during this time of year. Maybe you’re thinking about your child’s progress or lack thereof, or the struggle to attend even the simplest gatherings without feeling out of place. I see you. I feel you. And I hope this episode feels like a warm hug and a reminder that you’re doing an extraordinary job in an extraordinary situation. Every day you carry your child—physically, emotionally, and mentally—is a gift. It’s heavy, yes. But it’s also rooted in a love that’s unshakable. Take a moment, my friend. This one is for you. With love and gratitude, Effie 💛 P.S. If this episode resonates, share it with another caregiver who might need it. We’re stronger when we remind each other we’re not alone.

How do you transform a culture of silence and uncertainty into one of respect, collaboration, and accountability in healthcare? In this episode, Dr. Laura Canfield discusses Cottage Health's journey to create a healthier work environment by addressing post-pandemic challenges such as incivility and bullying through an interprofessional, evidence-based approach. The initiative, supported by strong leadership and shared governance, utilized a champion-based model and measured success through surveys and feedback, emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness, teamwork, and clear workplace behaviors for a sustainable culture of respect and collaboration. Tune in to explore how Cottage Health tackled workplace challenges head-on, creating a healthier, more collaborative environment for their teams! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Originally aired Jan 4th 2022; As we head into the new year, I would normally reflect on the past 365 days, but instead, this year I want to reflect forward. I believe that 2022 will be the year of the healthcare provider, and I will be discussing how healthcare providers can begin defining their values in the new year. I will also share recent findings in a survey conducted on how we can retain healthcare providers during this difficult time, including 6 key initiatives on how to do so.  Listen to the full episode to learn: How we can prevent healthcare provider burnout & what initiatives are most important to retaining them Why 2022 will be the year of the healthcare provider  What we can be doing to boost employee morale and energy in the field  How healthcare providers can begin defining their values in the new year Grab your drink of choice and join the conversation! Disclaimer The Healthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. Please speak with your own healthcare practitioner when seeking medical advice. Connect with Jennifer George: @bestobsessed_with_jenn | Instagram Jennifer George | Website @jenngeorge08) | Twitter Jennifer George | Facebook Click here to check out my book about connecting and communicating with patients to empower their experiences! Stay up to date on everything happening with the Healthcare Provider Happy Hour by subscribing to my weekly newsletter at www.jennifergeorge.co  Sponsorship Mindset Gap: Use code JENCAN20 at www.themindsetgap.com, a boutique consultancy firm arming employees and leaders with mindset tools to increase sales, bounce forward from adversity and reset intention.

By leading with kindness and empowering staff, CNOs can transform workplace dynamics and promote a culture of respect and support. In this episode, Dr. Maureen Chadwick emphasizes the importance of Chief Nursing Officers in creating respectful workplaces by confronting incivility and bullying. She advocates for practical strategies like the "We Got Your Back" campaign, empowering leaders to intervene, promoting accountability through action plans, and fostering psychological safety while addressing difficult conversations. Tune in for powerful strategies to disrupt incivility, foster a culture of respect, and empower leaders to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

2024 DSF Biennial Family & Professional Conference June 20th to June 22nd. This three-day gathering united all those committed to improving the lives of individuals with Dravet syndrome – including families, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and biopharmaceutical professionals. It provided a platform for fostering new relationships and collaborations among families and professionals alike. Recorded sessions from the conference can be accessed on demand by both virtual and in-person registrants through December 31, 2024.  [email protected]

In a healthcare system where hierarchy often fuels workplace hostility, one movement is challenging the status quo to prioritize nurses' well-being, safety, and empowerment. In this episode, Dr. Katie Boston-Leary discusses the oppressive hierarchy in healthcare, advocating for a supportive approach to nurse retention and well-being through the ANA's "Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation" program. The program includes initiatives like a well-being credential for healthcare institutions and efforts to combat workplace violence, emphasizing the need for leaders to address disruptive behavior and create a supportive environment by reducing unnecessary tasks for nurses and ensuring accountability. Tune in for a powerful conversation on how to reshape healthcare to support, empower, and protect nurses in every aspect of their work! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Originally aired Dec 21st 2021; In this week’s episode, I am joined by Josh Cutler, an author and seasoned mental health professional who has worked in healthcare for nearly twenty years. An experienced psychotherapist, clinical social worker and people leader, Josh’s work focuses on improving access to mental health services for people vulnerable to suicide. He works in private practice and is also a behavioral health leader in big healthcare.   Josh is passionate about sharing his own struggles with diagnosis of and recovery from a serious mental illness, in the hopes that this vulnerability will lead others to seek help. He is the author of The Day Hospital: A Memoir. Josh shares his journey of mental health, writing his book, and much more. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn: How the pandemic has affected the mental health of healthcare workers  The stigma around mental health and how it has changed over the years  Advice for healthcare providers who are struggling right now and feeling burnt out Statistics on mental health & suicide within the healthcare industry  How to create a safe space for others to share how they’re feeling  Grab your drink of choice and join the conversation! Resources Website: https://www.joshcutler.net/  Josh’s Book: The Day Hospital: A Memoir https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096TRSSG3?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedayhospital/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-cutler-licsw-16032468/  Disclaimer The Healthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. Please speak with your own healthcare practitioner when seeking medical advice. Connect with Jennifer George: @bestobsessed_with_jenn | Instagram Jennifer George | Website @jenngeorge08) | Twitter Jennifer George | Facebook Click here to check out my book about connecting and communicating with patients to empower their experiences! Stay up to date on everything happening with the Healthcare Provider Happy Hour by subscribing to my weekly newsletter at www.jennifergeorge.co  Sponsorship Mindset Gap: Use code JENCAN20 at www.themindsetgap.com, a boutique consultancy firm arming employees and leaders with mindset tools to increase sales, bounce forward from adversity and reset intention.

Implementing change in the workplace can be challenging, especially when faced with resistance from team members. In this episode, Dominic Petrovia discusses the challenges of implementing change in healthcare, especially when introducing new technology and workflows. He highlights the importance of engaging those who resist change by understanding their motivations and involving them in the process, advocating for a gradual introduction of changes, transparent communication, and anonymous feedback to drive successful organizational change. Tune in for effective strategies for overcoming resistance to change in healthcare, helping you empower your team and drive successful transformations! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Episode Highlights: Mindy Henderson, a powerful advocate for disability rights and the Director & Editor-In-Chief of MDA's Quest Media. Mindy shares her journey of breaking barriers in the skies, working tirelessly to make air travel more accessible for wheelchair users and the broader disability community. She delves into practical tips for navigating travel with a wheelchair-using child, explains the importance of universal design, and discusses how sharing your story can be a catalyst for change. Mindy also talks about her book, The Truth About Things That Suck, and the role of mindset in overcoming adversity. Packed with inspiration and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make the world more accessible, one step—or one flight—at a time. Links: Connect with Mindy Henderson on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile Learn more about MDA Quest: mdaquest.org Mindy's book - The Truth About Things That Suck: Amazon Link Tammy Duckworth - Every Day is a Gift: Amazon Link Get Involved and Take Action: Share your story on social media to raise awareness. Join disability advocacy groups to support accessible travel policies. Tune in and join us in supporting accessible, inclusive travel! Airplane Travel Tips from a One Million Mile Traveler The recent passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act

In clinical practice, if it’s not documented, it might as well have never happened, a reality that can make or break effective leadership and accountability. In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson emphasizes the importance of proper documentation in clinical practice to prove actions taken, especially when dealing with patterns of disruptive behavior. She recommends establishing a habit of documenting conversations with employees regarding behavior or performance immediately after incidents occur, utilizing methods such as electronic records or organizational forms.  Tune in to uncover the secrets to impactful documentation, a tool that not only protects your practice but also strengthens your leadership and supports a positive workplace culture! https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes

In the final episode of this season, podcast host, Jennifer, speaks with ER nurse and celebrated author Jennifer Johnson, who shares her 16-year journey through the high-stakes world of emergency nursing and discuss her soon-to-be-released book, "Nursing Intuition." Jennifer's unique blend of emotional intelligence and gut instincts offers a fresh perspective on patient care, bringing to life the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of ER settings. Her captivating stories from rural hospitals to bustling trauma centers reveal the humor, quick thinking, and adaptability required to thrive under pressure—an insightful reflection on the skills that every nurse can cultivate to enhance their practice. Throughout our conversation, Jennifer emphasizes the profound role intuition plays in nursing. We explore how this often-overlooked skill can guide healthcare professionals in making critical decisions, particularly when clinical signs are ambiguous. As she walks us through her career evolution—from an eager new nurse to a seasoned professional adept at balancing clinical objectivity with compassion—Jennifer stresses the importance of advocating for patients, especially in end-of-life care. The episode offers valuable insights into how nurses can harness their intuition to improve patient outcomes and find greater fulfillment in their work. In the final segment, we navigate the complexities of nursing culture, discussing the impact of both toxic and supportive environments on career satisfaction. Jennifer shares her experiences with bullying and the pivotal moments that taught her the value of setting personal boundaries. By encouraging a culture of collaboration and learning, she argues, nurses can protect their well-being and avoid burnout. She also highlights the courage needed to leave unfulfilling roles and the joy of finding camaraderie in a positive work setting. Stay connected with Jennifer on social media to continue following her journey and insights into the world of emergency nursing. Grab your drink of choice and join the conversation! Disclaimer The Healthcare Provider Happy Hour Podcast makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. Please speak with your own healthcare practitioner when seeking medical advice. Resources Connect with Jennifer Johnson  LinkedIn Buy Her Book Connect with Jennifer George: @bestobsessed_with_jenn | Instagram Jennifer George | Website @jenngeorge08) | Twitter Jennifer George | Facebook Click here to check out my book about connecting and communicating with patients to empower their experiences! Stay up to date on everything happening with the Healthcare Provider Happy Hour by subscribing to my weekly newsletter at www.jennifergeorge.co  Sponsorship Mindset Gap: Use code JENCAN20 at www.themindsetgap.com, a boutique consultancy firm arming employees and leaders with mindset tools to increase sales, bounce forward from adversity and reset intention.