Mental Health Podcasts

In this Q&A edition of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson answers three powerful questions from nurse leaders about the behavioral challenges they face daily. Renee shares practical strategies and proven scripts to help leaders navigate emotional reactions to feedback, foster peer-to-peer accountability, and coach their teams instead of constantly solving problems for them. Whether you’ve ever faced an employee who gets defensive, wondered how to stop the tattling and start empowering peer feedback, or felt the strain of being the constant problem-solver for your team, this episode is packed with real-life stories and advice you can use today.

In this episode, Jeffrey Allen, a passionate advocate for rare disease awareness and a dedicated father to Lucas, who has creatine transporter deficiency. (CTD is also referred to as SLC6A8 Deficiency, CRTR, and X-linked Creatine Transporter Deficiency.Mutations in the SLC6A8 gene result in CTD.While patients with CTD have the necessary AGAT and GAMT enzymes to form creatine, the creatine transporter does not function properly. This results in creatine in the bloodstream, but not in the brain and muscles.) Jeffrey shares his journey of parenting a child with a rare disease, the life lessons he has learned from Lucas, and his experiences participating in the Ruck for Rare and the Beast Games. He emphasizes the importance of community support, advocacy, and the beauty found in challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of genetic testing and awareness for rare diseases, as well as the need for connection and communication among parents in similar situations.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Renee Thompson welcomes Rose L. Horton, MSM, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, FAAN – Founder & CEO of NotOnMyWatch Consulting Partners – to the Coffee Break podcast. Rose shares the story behind her viral movement, #NotOnMyWatch, and how one conversation turned into a rallying cry for maternal equity and safety. Together, Renee and Rose explore the shared drive that leaders must cultivate: taking responsibility, co-creating joyful, purpose-driven teams, and refusing to be bystanders in the face of injustice – whether it’s maternal mortality or bullying in the workplace. You’ll learn how Rose and her team transformed heartbreak into hope, built psychological safety, and standardized equitable care practices that made every patient feel safe, seen, and heard. This episode is full of real talk, inspiration, and practical leadership gold. Don’t miss it.

In honor of Nurses Week, Dr. Renee Thompson takes a heartfelt detour from the usual Coffee Break episodes to deliver a special message to nurses everywhere. Renee reflects on why we chose nursing in the first place – not for convenience, but for compassion, courage, and heart. She shares powerful stories from her keynote, Celebrate Nurses: Human by Birth – Hero by Choice, including a beautiful reminder about finding the good – and beauty – in others, even on the hard days. Tune in for a celebration of nursing, laughter about how nurses’ lives differ from other professions, encouragement to reconnect with your "why," and inspiration to keep finding the beauty around you – and in yourself.

In this episode of Once Upon a Gene, I’m joined again by rare mom and powerhouse advocate Gay Grossman. Gay works at GeneDx—home to one of the largest clinical genomic databases—and she’s here to share two exciting updates that could change everything for rare families and patient advocacy orgs. We talk about: GeneDx’s new commitment to the cerebral palsy community and why every CP diagnosis deserves a genetic test How families can access exome and genome testing through telehealth The launch of the Discover Snapshot, a tool designed to help rare orgs find, understand, and grow their communities using real genomic data We also dive into why many CP, autism, and epilepsy diagnoses are just the beginning—and how getting to the root cause can open doors to treatments, clinical trials, and life-changing connection. 🔗 Resources & Links: Request your Patient Count or Discover Snapshot: advocacy@genedx.com Learn more about genetic testing and CP: GeneDx.com Access testing through Genome Medical: Genome Medical Key Topics: Genetic testing access and equity Ending the diagnostic odyssey for CP Empowering patient advocacy orgs with data How to use genetic diagnoses to unlock treatment options The power of community and connection

When it comes to workplace violence in healthcare, there are so many factors outside our control – but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Austin, Vice President of Hospital Workplace Violence at KLA Risk Consulting, to talk about the real, tangible ways healthcare leaders can reduce injuries and protect their teams. We unpack the biggest gaps in hospital workplace violence prevention – from under-involving frontline staff to one-size-fits-all training – and explore how leaders can make small, smart shifts to get big results. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly involve your employees, what effective training actually looks like, or how to spot and de-escalate agitation before it turns violent, this is the episode for you.

Some workplace behaviors are annoying but fixable. Others? Downright dangerous – and possibly unchangeable. In this Q&A episode, Dr. Renee Thompson tackles three real-world scenarios submitted by nurse leaders across the country: A charge nurse whose competence is overshadowed by recurring emotional outbursts. A team member who falsifies reports, raising red flags about character. A territorial nurse marking equipment as her own—and even throwing water at a coworker! How do you know whether someone’s behavior can be coached… or whether it’s time to performance-manage them out? Renee breaks down the difference between skill gaps and character flaws, and gives leaders the language to hold their teams accountable with professionalism and compassion. If you’re dealing with a disruptive team member, this episode will give you practical tools – and the permission – to protect your team and your culture.

Turning Kids into Superheroes of Science with O’Ryan Health The world of pediatric autoimmune and rare diseases can feel isolating—especially when answers live behind hospital walls or research centers far from home. But what if science came to you? What if kids could lead the charge in reimagining care? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tim Coleman, co-founder and COO of O’Ryan Health, a company flipping the script on pediatric research. Their breakthrough Artemis Platform is a child-friendly, at-home blood collection and logistics system that supports autoimmune, rare disease, and routine lab testing—making it possible for families to contribute to science and receive care without ever stepping into a hospital or lab. Tim and his team are building something extraordinary: a world where kids become superhero scientists, collecting blood samples at home with a virtually painless device, and helping unlock breakthroughs in real time. Inspired from the lived experience of co-founder Michael Parnell, whose daughter battles juvenile myositis, O’Ryan Health isn’t just a company—it’s a movement, empowering families to drive discovery and rewrite the future of pediatric healthcare. We talk about:  Why families should lead—not follow—in pediatric research  How at-home blood sampling could power new diagnostics, treatments, and even cures  The vision of a future where all pediatric blood work happens at home If you’ve ever dreamed of a healthcare system that sees, hears, and respects your child—this conversation is for you. Learn more and become a superhero family at oryan.health Follow along on Instagram: @oryan.health

Civility isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must for creating healthy work environments.  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cynthia Clark, Founder of Civility Matters, Professor Emeritus at Boise State University, to unpack the evolving definition of civility in healthcare and beyond. From decades of research and a global concept analysis, Cindy shares what’s changed — and what hasn’t — when it comes to understanding incivility, how perception shapes our experiences at work, and why leadership plays a vital role in setting the tone. We dig into the power of emotional intelligence, co-creating behavioral norms, and Cindy’s model: the Continuum of Workplace Aggression. And yes, we even talk about eye-rolling. If you’re a healthcare leader trying to figure out how to address disrespectful behaviors, you’ll want to tune in to learn real-world strategies that you can implement today.

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/