Mental Health Podcasts

What does it really take to build a healthy workforce culture — and keep it strong years later? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jenny Cordo, Director of Clinical Operations and a transformational nurse leader at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, to talk about what a healthy work culture looks like in practice and how her team has sustained theirs long after implementing our system. Jenny shares the behind-the-scenes story of how her team won the 2019 STTI Clinical Healthy Work Environment Award, the importance of empowering nurses at every level, and how shifting from “shared governance” to “professional governance” helped hardwire cultural excellence. From actionable leadership insights to sustaining engagement through Magnet designations and beyond, this episode is filled with practical strategies — and a powerful reminder to be the nurse you want to work with. Tune in to learn how to hardwire healthy habits, inspire professional ownership, and lead culture change that actually lasts.

Burnout is still very real in healthcare, and many nurses are carrying trauma from the pandemic — whether they realize it or not.  In this episode, I sit down with Keith Carlson, nurse career coach and host of The Nurse Keith Show, to talk about how burnout shows up today, how to begin healing, and what support looks like — whether through coaching, therapy, or small moments of joy. Keith shares his personal experience with burnout and how his late wife helped him take the first step toward change. We also talk about how to assess what’s within your control, when it’s okay to walk away, and how something as simple as a “glimmer list” can help you reconnect to what matters. Tune in for honest insight, practical strategies, and the reminder that healing is possible — one step at a time.

In this heartfelt conversation, Heather Straughter shares her profound journey through grief after the loss of her son, Jake. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the importance of community support, and the ongoing nature of grief. Heather reflects on the complexities of acknowledging loss, the unexpected triggers that can arise, and her evolving perspective on grief hierarchies. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the significance of finding one's own way to cope and the power of humor in navigating the dark moments of grief. In this conversation, Heather Straughter shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her son, Jake. She discusses societal expectations surrounding grief, the dual nature of grief as both painful and transformative, and the importance of community support. Heather also talks about the creation of her podcast, 'A Place of Yes,' aimed at sharing stories of families dealing with similar challenges, and her mission to help families navigate the complexities of caring for children with special needs. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and proactive support for grieving families. Follow: Jake's Help From Heaven A Place Of Yes Podcast on Instagram Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 01:41 The Impact of Grief on Life Choices 02:50 Navigating Grief and Community Support 08:21 The Ongoing Nature of Grief 10:33 The Complexity of Grief and Acknowledgment 12:26 Triggers and Unexpected Moments of Grief 15:59 The Hierarchy of Grief 18:23 Coping Mechanisms and Humor in Grief 22:09 The Dark Side of Grief 24:22 Unspoken Aspects of Grief 26:07 Finding Your Own Path in Grief 29:20 Navigating Grief: Societal Expectations and Personal Experiences 32:43 The Dual Nature of Grief: Pain and Growth 36:47 Creating a Supportive Community: The Birth of a Podcast 42:06 Expanding the Mission: Helping Families Beyond Local Boundaries 54:16 Words of Comfort: Supporting Grieving Families

Navigating workplace dynamics can be challenging, especially when addressing incivility, leading a team, or handling difficult conversations. In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson discusses strategies for fostering a healthier work culture and handling workplace challenges, including using a left-brain/right-brain approach and having "lens conversations." She also advises repeating unprofessional remarks back to the person, questioning their intent, or disengaging to maintain composure. Tune in for practical strategies to foster a healthier work culture, communicate effectively as a leader, and confidently respond to unprofessional behavior! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Reimagining Pediatric Care with Imagine Pediatrics For families of medically complex kids, the healthcare system often feels broken—long hospital stays, insurance battles for basic needs, and constant caregiving without real support. But what if there was a better way? In this episode, I’m joined by Taylor Beery, co-founder of Imagine Pediatrics, Jody Copp, a full-time rare disease dad of two boys with Combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency type 13 associated with a mutation in the PNPT1 gene and whose family has experienced firsthand the impact of their care model. Imagine Pediatrics is changing the game by providing 24/7, in-home, virtual-first medical care designed to keep kids safe at home—not in the hospital. He also has a rad foundation that we will chat about in a future episode: Raising Wheels Foundation If you are in Texas, Florida, and District of Columbia you have access to Imagine Pediatrics! We discuss: The problems with the current healthcare system for medically complex kids Why "safe days at home" should be the goal of pediatric care How Imagine Pediatrics partners with families rather than making them fight for care The economic case for home-based care and why insurance should want this model Walker’s legacy— how Taylor’s son inspired a movement to improve pediatric healthcare Kids Join the Fight Listen now & share with families who need this

Creating a culture of gratitude and visibility is essential for fostering a healthy and respectful healthcare work environment.  In this episode, Paula Schmidt shares her approach to fostering a positive work culture through gratitude, visibility, and open communication. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing employees, addressing workplace concerns through staff rounding and newsletters, and maintaining transparency in decisions on key issues like staffing, space, and compensation. Tune in and learn how to start small and implement these strategies within your own team to foster a positive and supportive work culture! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

What does it take to create a truly safe, supportive, and accessible workplace in healthcare where leaders are present, staff feel valued, and workplace violence is actively prevented? In this episode, Stephanie Gedeon discusses leadership accessibility, workplace safety, and fostering a positive work culture through relationship-building, streamlined meetings, and staff engagement. Stephanie emphasized the importance of using a structured framework like Pathway to Excellence and leading with genuine care to create a safe, efficient, and supportive work environment. Tune in to uncover the leadership strategies that drive a thriving work culture! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Service dogs are often associated with guiding the blind or assisting with mobility, but their impact goes far beyond traditional roles. In this episode, I’m joined by Sue Bresnahan, a pediatric nurse and rare mom, whose son has CACNA1C-related disorder (Timothy Syndrome). When they welcomed Yammy, his service dog, into their family, everything changed. Yammy didn’t just provide companionship—he unlocked a level of independence and confidence that Sue never imagined possible for her son. Sue shares their journey, the process of getting a service dog, and why families of kids with disabilities should consider this life-changing support. If you’ve ever wondered how a service dog could help a child beyond the traditional reasons, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss: Sue’s journey as a rare mom and navigating CACNA1C-related disorder (Timothy Syndrome) The unexpected ways service dogs can support kids with disabilities How Yammy transformed her son’s independence and confidence The process of getting and training a service dog What families should know before pursuing a service dog Overcoming challenges and misconceptions about service dogs Advice for families considering a service dog Resources & Links: Learn more about CACNA1C-related disorder (Timothy Syndrome) Service Dog Organizations & Resources - ECAD Connect with Sue Bresnahan - Instagram Want to support Once Upon a Gene? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & share this episode!

Emotional intelligence is a critical skill, far exceeding technical intelligence in importance for career advancement and team effectiveness.  In this episode, Dr. Mitch Kusy explores the growing importance of emotional intelligence in healthcare, emphasizing interprofessional team building, leadership skills like boundary reinforcement, and the dynamics between teams. He also breaks down the key components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management) while highlighting strategies for skill development and the critical role of empathy in coaching and decision-making. Tune in and learn how to cultivate emotional intelligence within yourself and your team to foster a healthier and more productive work environment! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

I’m joined by Christian Henry, CEO of PacBio, a company leading the way in high-accuracy long-read sequencing. We break down what that means in simple terms, how this technology is helping families solve their diagnostic odyssey, and why some genetic tests miss key information that PacBio can detect. Plus, if you've already had whole genome sequencing without finding an answer, Christian explains why it might be time to take another look. We also dive into the future of genetic testing, what needs to change for sequencing to become a routine part of medical care, and how families and advocates can help drive progress forward. This episode is all about hope, science, and the relentless pursuit of answers. Happy Rare Disease Day, and thank you for being part of this incredible community! Topics Covered: What is long-read sequencing, and how is it different from traditional genetic testing? How PacBio’s technology is solving rare disease mysteries faster and more accurately. Why some families don’t get answers from whole genome sequencing—and why they should consider trying again. The biggest barriers to making genetic testing more accessible and routine in rare disease care. How long-read sequencing could help lead to future treatments, not just diagnoses. What the next five years of genomic sequencing could look like. How rare disease families and advocacy groups can collaborate with PacBio to accelerate discoveries. Resources & Links: Learn more about PacBio and long-read sequencing: https://www.pacb.com/ Follow PacBio on X: @PacBio More about Rare Disease Day: www.rarediseaseday.org Join the Conversation! Have you been on a diagnostic odyssey? Have questions about genetic testing? Share your thoughts and experiences with me on Instagram Listen & Subscribe: Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If you love the show, leave a review—it helps more rare disease families find these conversations.

Confidence, clear communication, and professionalism are essential for navigating complex healthcare leadership challenges. In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson offers practical solutions to nursing leadership challenges, such as workplace disrespect and managing difficult team members. She emphasizes the importance of assertive communication, professional boundaries, and confident leadership to strengthen team dynamics.  Dr. Renee Thompson shares strategies for nurse managers to address leadership challenges, foster respect, manage conflicts, and improve team dynamics! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

As caregivers, we give everything to our kids—but where does that leave us? Burnt out, exhausted, and running on fumes. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t even know where to start when it comes to your own health, this episode is for you. I’m talking with Fraser Bridgeman, a fellow CTNNB1 mom and a functional integrative health practitioner, about the small but powerful changes we can make to support our own well-being. Fraser understands the unique challenges rare disease caregivers face—chronic stress, poor sleep, inflammation, and running on adrenaline for years at a time. She’s sharing practical, realistic ways to prioritize your health so you can show up for your child without running yourself into the ground. In this episode, we discuss: The most common health issues caregivers face (and how stress affects the gut, sleep, and hormones) How to make small, sustainable changes—even when you’re overwhelmed Easy food swaps to support energy, gut health, and stress resilience Practical ways to improve sleep and manage cortisol levels How movement, breathwork, and mindfulness can help regulate a taxed nervous system The mindset shift that will help you prioritize your own health without guilt Listen now and take the first step toward caring for yourself—because you matter, too. Follow Fraser on Instagram Fraser's Integrative Health Website

By fostering ownership and addressing challenges constructively, leaders can create a drama-free workplace where individuals feel empowered and engaged. In this episode, Dennis McIntee highlights that workplace drama often stems from a lack of ownership and "choice poverty" and emphasizes the importance of empowering teams by shifting language and viewing emotions as raw material to be processed. Leaders can reduce drama by coaching thinking instead of feelings, encouraging self-directed problem-solving, confronting issues with care to build trust and clarity, and by practicing self-awareness and accountability, as team dynamics often reflect a leader's blind spots. Tune in for game-changing insights on taking ownership, coaching effectively, and creating a culture where collaboration and clarity replace conflict and chaos! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

What does it take to lead with purpose, retain top talent, and inspire a culture of collaboration in the face of unprecedented challenges? In this episode, Dr. Janice Walker discusses how COVID-19 disrupted recruitment and retention, leading her to implement a candidate-centric approach with measurable metrics. She also emphasizes building strong relationships and a supportive culture to develop future leaders and retain talent, highlighting the importance of embracing purpose and fostering collaboration for long-term success in the nursing profession. Tune in for powerful insights on building resilient teams, fostering psychological safety, and celebrating the meaningful work that keeps nursing at the heart of healthcare! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Nurse leaders are facing unprecedented challenges, but what if the key to thriving lies in setting boundaries, building community, and redefining leadership expectations? In this episode, Lori Gabriel Gunther discusses the challenges neonatal and perinatal nurse leaders face, stressing the importance of leadership support, work-life balance, and a solution-focused workplace culture. She highlights how Synova provides leadership education and community support while encouraging nurse leaders to set boundaries, advocate for their needs, and prioritize well-being to create a more sustainable and fulfilling career. Tune in for powerful insights and practical strategies to create a healthier, more sustainable work culture! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Originally aired Feb 1 2022; In this week’s episode, I am joined by Marcie Resendes, Registered Nurse and Author of, ‘If The Brain Could Stop What The Eyes have Seen.’ Marcie shares her story of overcoming being diagnosed with PTSD, how she lives with it and manages it day to day. We also discuss methods of how we can protect ourselves against burnout, leading to mental illness, and overwhelm in the workforce.  About Marcie: “I am a 42-year-old wife, mother to three beautiful children ages 17, 15 and 6. I am a Registered Nurse and proud to say I have been for 21 1⁄2 years. The nursing school Diploma Program at St. Clair College was a struggle, but I had a strong heart and passion to be a nurse; a good kick in the butt from my dad when I was 19 pushed me through. During the summer of 1998, I volunteered at the Pelee Island Medical Clinic.I worked beside two wonderful nurses who allowed me to observe clinics, minor traumas, and what nursing in an isolated area is. I witnessed head injuries after drunken falls, fractures of bones, sprains and strains, as well as general labs and medical check ups. I loved the opportunity to gain this experience in nursing. It was totally different than at the hospital. I was able to observe how a team (EMS, Police,and Nursing) work together to get the job done. June 18, 1999 was the day my dreams came true: I graduated on the Principal’s Honour Roll. Finally I could do what I had strived to do: take care of the sick and make them well. Growing up I had been raised to treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO of the company. I was told that each team member in a company has a vital job to do each and every day to keep the company running. Little did I know that after 19 1⁄2 years of caring for the sick, wounded, critically injured, dying and mentally unstable would leave me with wounds unrecognizable to the human eye. I attended an appointment with my Nurse Practitioner on January 10, 2019, that’s when my life changed. I thought I was having a simple return to work appointment after a bout of influenza the week before, but it turned out to be so much more.When Bonnie the Nurse Practitioner walked in and observed me, her first statement changed my whole life: “You Have PTSD”. Grab your drink of choice and join the conversation! Resources Website: https://marcieresendesbook.ca/  Instagram: @marcieresendes   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcie.resendes.1  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.

In this powerful episode of Once Upon a Gene, I sit down with James Griffin, author of Breaking Silence: Living With Sickle Cell Anemia. Diagnosed at just two years old, James spent much of his life keeping his condition a secret, fearing how others would perceive him. He faced excruciating pain, hospitalizations, and the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness—all while navigating school, friendships, and a world that often didn’t understand his struggles. Now, as an advocate and author, James is using his voice to raise awareness, empower others with sickle cell disease, and push for better care, research, and understanding. In this conversation, he shares what it was like growing up with sickle cell, the language he’s learned to use in emergency rooms to be taken seriously, and how he found the courage to finally open up about his diagnosis. Whether you or a loved one are affected by sickle cell disease, or you simply want to hear an inspiring story about resilience and advocacy, this episode is for you.

Are you ready to tackle the toughest workplace challenges and become a more confident, effective leader? In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson addresses leadership challenges and offers practical strategies for workplace issues, emphasizing the importance of countering negativity with positivity and building trust. She distinguishes bullying from incivility and stresses the value of clear communication, proactive leadership, and understanding workplace dynamics to foster a healthier organizational culture. Join Renee for her new monthly Q&A series, where she'll answer your burning questions and share actionable strategies to create a positive, thriving work environment! If you want to enter a question for Renee to answer on the podcast, please email wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

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/