Real people...Real Issues...Real Talk. Destigmatizing misconceptions about mental health and encourage conversations about tough topics. We understand all of us are impacted by the effects of mental health in different ways. We want to highlight guests who are winning the battle, their very real struggles, and how honest talk can change the way we view mental health. We want everyone to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together".
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Mental Perk Vol 39 - Using Comedy Improv to Heal Victims of Sex Trafficking
44:56
44:56
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Send us a Text Message. Dave Ebert is an Improv Comedian and Missionary who uses his gifts and talents to help heal the emotional pain of sex trafficking victims. Dave describes in detail how humor and comedy saved his life in his own battle with depression and suicidal thoughts and how the power of laughter extends a healing hand. Dave shares his …
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Mental Perk Vol 38: SWAT and Mental Health: Pain Shared is Pain Divided
47:43
47:43
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47:43
Send us a Text Message. Richard "Trey" Ashcroft is a career police officer, member of the Garland SWAT Team, and President of the Police Association. Trey highlights the challenges police officers face on the job and in their personal lives and the importance of managing mental health both on and off duty. Trey uses honest dialogue to describe the …
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Mental Perk Vol 37: Comedy and Grief: Living in the Moment
46:06
46:06
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46:06
Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk welcomes Brad Newton, a former educator, an official photographer for the Texas Rangers, as well as an Improv Comedian with a mission. Brad talks about his experience as an educator as well as his amazing career with the Texas Rangers. Most of all, Brad touches all our hearts as he tells his story of losing his w…
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Mental Perk Vol 36: Firemen and Mental Health: Don't Let Your Bucket Get Full!
47:51
47:51
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47:51
Send us a Text Message. Jacob Talley discusses the impact of experiencing PTSD as a firefighter and first responder. He highlights the stigma of mental health in his industry and the dangers it poses when left untreated. In this episode, Talley opens the discussion of promoting positive mental health in firehouses across the country and the importa…
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Mental Perk Vol 35: Carrying the Log to Honor Fallen Veterans
40:00
40:00
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40:00
Send us a Text Message. Anthony "Tony" Monnin visits Mental Perk to talk about his non-profit organization, Carry On, that honors fallen veterans and first responders through the symbolic carrying of the log on special memorial occasions. Tony shares his first hand experience as a veteran and the importance of honoring the fallen and their families…
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Mental Perk Vol 34: Transforming your Self-Sabotage into your Super Power
48:22
48:22
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48:22
Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk welcomes Elizabeth de Moraes, a formerly shy introvert turned acclaimed international performer, motivational speaker (including TEDx), master communication coach, and trained transformational coach with a career that spans multiple decades. Elizabeth discusses the impact of self-sabotage and your unique ability …
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Mental Perk Vol 33: Discussing Modern Dating with Karla and Brandi
39:15
39:15
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Send us a Text Message. Karla and Brandi discuss the trials of modern dating with a nostalgic perspective. Tune in to hear details about social media, dating apps, first dates and so much more. While dating has many new challenges, one thing stands true: "You're Worthy...We're in this Together"! Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are strug…
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Mental Perk Vol 32: Trauma Happens...Choosing Not to be a Victim.
51:37
51:37
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51:37
Send us a Text Message. Dr. Sarah Wakefield, the Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Texas Tech University Health Science Center and the School of Medicine, talks about her career as a Board Certified Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychiatrist as well as the amazing community connections they are making through their medical school and psychiatry pro…
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Mental Perk Vol 31: Karla and Brandi Discussing Celebrities and Mental Health
34:21
34:21
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34:21
Send us a Text Message. Brandi and Karla highlight the importance of mental health awareness through their discussion of celebrity mental health initiatives. The Mental Perk hosts get real with their audience and really dig into normalizing mental health conversations while showing real struggles throughout Hollywood. Mental health does not discrim…
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Mental Perk: Vol 30: Firefighters and Mental Health- Everything is OK....but not really!
45:24
45:24
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45:24
Send us a Text Message. Justin Beamis is a firefighter who truly understands the challenges of first responders and mental health. Based on his own experiences, Justin is empowering first responders through updated and interactive trainings and making sure departments throughout Texas are keeping up with the growing mental health statistics. Justin…
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Mental Perk Vol 29: The Scourge of Fentanyl: One Pill Can Kill
50:34
50:34
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50:34
Send us a Text Message. DEA Special Agent Eduardo Chavez discusses the growing crisis and distribution of illegal drugs across the United States, most importantly Fentanyl. Special Agent Chavez has a career that expands over 22 years with multiple roles in the agency and has been a national spokesperson for the DEA impacting his field throughout th…
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Mental Perk Vol 28: The Key to Depression is Connection-We are Better Together!
46:08
46:08
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46:08
Send us a Text Message. Israel Lewis is a Licensed Professional Counselor for the last 25 years and the founder and director of the Sulpher Springs Counseling Center in Sulphur Springs, Texas. In this episode Israel describes his battle after a routine surgery had life altering complications and changed him forever. Israel's motto is "We are Better…
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Mental Perk Vol 27: Part 2: Grief is Your Last Act of Love; Time Just Keeps Going; the Devastating Loss of a Father to a Drunk Driver
43:31
43:31
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43:31
Send us a Text Message. Alyssa Guzman talks about witnessing the death of her father. This episode is Part II of the story describing devastating and tragic loss Alyssa, her Mother, and two brothers faced when Sam Guzman was senselessly hit by a drunk driver while tending to his truck on the side of the road. Alyssa's journey of recovery details th…
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Mental Perk Vol 26: Part 1: Grief is Your Last Act of Love; Devastating Loss of a Spouse to a Drunk Driver
40:47
40:47
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40:47
Send us a Text Message. Michelle Guzman tells her heart wrenching story about losing the love of her life to a drunk driver which was also witnessed by her teenage daughter. Michelle shares who her husband, Sam Guzman, was as a person and father, their young love story, and describes the night she received the call from her daughter. She shares the…
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Mental Perk Vol 25: Bartending is like being a Part Time Therapist
36:55
36:55
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36:55
Send us a Text Message. McKinley Shultz holds a full-time job, while completing her degree and working in the evenings as a bartender. She describes the valuable aspects of her job and the interaction she has with patrons who come in search of connection and a good drink. McKinley, offers humor, empathy and emotional perspective as she describes th…
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Mental Perk Vol 24: Getting to Know Your Host Part2: Ketchup on Everything!
20:52
20:52
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20:52
Send us a Text Message. It’s finally here! Part 2 of getting to know your Mental Perk hosts. Karla and Brandi ask each other thought provoking questions with a little sense of humor. Our goal is to get real with our audience and make sure each of you know “You’re Worthy … We are in this Together!” Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are str…
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Mental Perk Vol 23: Dentisty and Mental Health: Relieving Anxiety Starts at the Front Desk
39:15
39:15
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39:15
Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk welcomes Dr. Kelly Robinson, DDS to talk about then impact of mental health in her practice. In this podcast, Dr. Robinson talks about the levels of anxiety her patients experience due to their perceptions of dental care, the levels of stress and anxiety associated with providing competent dental care, as well as…
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Mental Perk Vol 22: Mental Health on Campus with the SMU WESTies: The Difference Between Being Hurt or Injured
52:12
52:12
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52:12
Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk interviews Michael Habib and Michelle Tes from Southern Methodist University Campus (SMU). Michael and Michelle discuss their roles as members of the Well-Being Education Student Team (WEST) and the impact their organization is having in bridging positive care and communication to students on campus. The SMU WEST…
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Mental Perk Vol 21: Beating PTSD: Moving from Flight back to Fight
44:41
44:41
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44:41
Send us a Text Message. Nicole Plotner, an SMU student, shares her inspirational story of grief, PTSD and recovery following the tragic loss of her father. Nicole describes how she navigated the shock of her father's sudden decline at an early age, how she had to grow up quickly to help support her family, and the mental impact she suffered over ti…
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Vol 20: Paramedics: Using Emergency Hypnosis to Partner with Patients
46:27
46:27
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Send us a Text Message. Professor Bram Duffee, PhD and Paramedic, discusses his research and life work focusing on using hypnosis to reduce patient pain, promote healing, and unify the mind and body to improve patient outcomes. Bram is co-author of a new book and hopes to transform patient care in emergency and trauma settings through implementing …
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Vol 19: Fighting Cancer: A Stinky Wake Up Call
34:21
34:21
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34:21
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Kim Pittman describes the terror of receiving the dreaded call and finding out she has stage 3B gastric cancer. She talks about the terrifying fear she faced head- on with her diagnosis and the uncertainty of treatment but leans on faith, family and friends. Through her journey, Kim embraces calmness in her …
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Vol 18 : Let's Play Get to Know Your Hosts Part 1
26:47
26:47
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26:47
Send us a Text Message. In this episode Brandi and Karla ask random questions to each other to help our listeners get to know more about us. We are so passionate about what we do and love getting real with our audience. Stay tuned....there will be more fun and games coming your way! Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a …
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Vol 17 - Losing a Child to Suicide - Being Present and a Messy Set of Reasons Why
47:18
47:18
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47:18
Send us a Text Message. Paige Ware, mother of Henry, is an educator and administrator at Southern Methodist University. Before her son Henry's suicide, Paige lived a very active and fulfilling life. She traveled to various countries speaking three languages as well as teaching and volunteering. She loved her family, spending time with them and most…
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Vol 14: Performance Anxiety In Sports-The Hidden Opponent...A Professional Athletes Journey
41:04
41:04
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41:04
Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk interviews Jazmine Fray, Professional Runner for Under Armour. Jazmine tells her story of performance anxiety during her career, how it impacted her racing and how she worked with a sports psychologist to overcome and reach her goals. She shares her passion as a mentor to young athletes as well as female athletes…
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Vol 16: Law Enforcement- The Raw Truth in Getting it Out!
58:46
58:46
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58:46
Send us a Text Message. Greg Wilkerson, 30 year law enforcement veteran, talks about the challenges of being in law enforcement, the impacts of mental health and the obstacles that get in the way. Greg shares insight from different perspectives of his career and the circumstances that contributed to his early retirement. He continues to be an advoc…
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Vol 13: Coping with a Family Suicide: An Open Letter of Loss
37:19
37:19
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37:19
Send us a Text Message. Danyelle Moye an a LPC-A, tells her story of her estranged stepfather's suicide and the impact it had on her family. In her journey of healing, Danyelle shares a powerful heart felt letter to her stepfather in her efforts to find closure through her grief to support her family in the future. Support the Show. If you or anyon…
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Send us a Text Message. Brooke Castillo, LPC talks about her journey when her son, Theo, was born with CHD (Congenital Hearth Disease). In this episode, Brooke describes the challenge of caring for a child with a life threatening birth defect and the constant battle with mental health while managing her son's critical medical condition and keeping …
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Vol 12: COVID-True Compassion is Breaking our Hearts to Save Another from Suffering
45:07
45:07
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Send us a Text Message. Angela Jackson -Brunning shares her heart wrenching journey as her otherwise healthy husband and love of her life, Dave, heroically battles Covid in the midst of an international pandemic. This story features a constant battle of mental distress and a courageous fight to push through the pain and embrace life on the other si…
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Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk welcomes Nashville's own Lana Scott to talk about her music and reflections on mental health. Lana was a top 8 finalist on "The Voice" and is now writing, performing and producing original music debuting on her new album. Her new song "Permanent" features her own experience following the loss of two of her friend…
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Send us a Text Message. Dallas City City Councilman, Omar Narvaez, discusses the challenges and battles of social, mental health, and economic issues in one of the largest cities in Texas. Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk…
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Vol. 8 - Family Law: Good People on their Worst Behavior
44:26
44:26
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44:26
Send us a Text Message. Earl Jackson is a Board Certified Family Lawyer in Dallas, TX. In this episode, Earl talks about the effects of divorce on the mental health of children and parents and how this process takes a toll on families. Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-…
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Vol 6: Veterinarians - You Process It or It Will Process You!
39:33
39:33
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39:33
Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk Interviews Dr. John Otto D.V.M. Together we highlight the mental health challenges facing many veterinarians in our country. Currently veterinarians have the highest rate of suicide among professionals. Through our discussion, we hope to lower the curve and bring awareness to these issues. Support the Show. If yo…
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Vol 7; Medical Professional: Darkness Grows in Darkness
45:26
45:26
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45:26
Send us a Text Message. Mental perk interviews Lauren Dethlefs, PA-C. Lauren brings insight into the mental health issues facing our country through her work in the medical field. Mental health challenges continue to rise in all populations. Lauren helps us understand the impacts as a frontline provider and how her interactions impact long term men…
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Vol. 5: Veterans - Emotions are Like a Rollercoaster
39:51
39:51
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39:51
Send us a Text Message. Vol 5: Mental Perk interviews Joshua Vazquez, LPC and Marine Corp Veteran. Josh shares his experience in combat and his road to becoming a mental health professional. We want to raise awareness about mental health and suicide among our veterans and the importance of providing care and support to those who have sacrificed so …
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Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk interviews Professional Body Builder and Fitness Trainer, Towanda Smith. Towanda provides insight into the connection between building fitness and positive mental health by providing inspirational messaging and encouragement. Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, s…
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Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk interviews special guest Jeffrey Armstrong LPC-S. Jeff shares his insights into adolescents, parents and the struggles with managing mental health and all things teens. Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach ou…
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Send us a Text Message. Mental Perk interviews special guest Elizabeth Abrams. Elizabeth shares her journey with mental health diagnosis and treatment and how her battle finds triumph on the other side. Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out …
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Send us a Text Message. Interview with special Guests Tim and Raina Clark, founders of the Hanna4Hope Foundation. Support the Show. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you…
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