Hear Me See Me

How do you react when you're faced with life-altering news? Matt Hay was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF) when he was in college. NF is a genetic condition causing tumors to grow on your nerves. In Matt's case, he was told a tumor on his auditory nerve would take away his hearing. He shares the journey that followed in his book "Soundtrack of Silence,"using music to guide lessons learned. What songs would you want to keep in your head if your world would soon go silent?  

The school year is winding down. But parents, take note: stress doesn’t end for kids once summer vacation arrives. We’re giving you tools for both experiences in the latest Hear me. See me. podcast.School counselors Mallory Jacobs with Topeka Public Schools and Nick Brummet with Clay Center Community Schools offer insights into what’s taking a toll on mental health of young people, and why summer brings its own set of concerns. They offer signs to watch for that could indicate your child is struggling, and practical advice to connect, communicate and support.

We've seen athletes at the highest levels struggle under pressure. It's something Dr. Anne Weese works with at the college level as director of mental wellness and sports psychology for Kansas State University Athletics. In this Hear me. See me. podcast, she explains how stress and pressure impact us mentally and physically, and why it's an extra challenge for young people. She also shares strategies for the playing field that we all can use in the workplace, too.  

Rachelle Coe launched “Wild Haven” specifically to reach women in rural areas. She says the farm and ranch life can be uniquely demanding for women, and she wants to help them foster connections, rather than feel isolated. Rachelle shares what led her to this mission on the Hear me. See me. podcast.

Words have power to make you think and help you heal. Poet and spoken word artist Matt Spezia shares how he uses words to help himself and others in this Hear me. See me. episode. Matt is a multi-national award winning artist, who often visits mental health-related themes in his work. In March, he'll present for a second time at Mental Health Advocacy Day at the Kansas Statehouse. In this conversation, Matt reveals what first motivated him to advocate for mental health awareness, and what he hopes people take away from his poems.

Many factors can make someone vulnerable to human trafficking. Mental health and well-being are a big part of it. Patti Mellard, who started the Rotary Club of Community Action against Human Trafficking, and Jennifer Montgomery, who received a Rotary Fellowship to address the issue globally, dive into the connections in the latest Hear me. See me. podcast. Hear how past trauma and other factors put people at risk, and the signs we all can watch for.

Madison Schmitt started struggling as a teenager. It lead to a diagnosis with forms of severe, persistent mental illness. She said she was fortunate to have the support of her parents. Her father David said they learned many lessons watching Madison navigate highs and lows, in part with the help of NAMI Kansas. Their conversation shares the realities of how mental illness does not come with a quick, permanent fix. They also reflect on the best ways to support someone who’s struggling.

Shawnee Co., Kan. Corrections Director Brian Cole says jails and prisons have become our society’s de facto mental health treatment facilities. It led to the county breaking ground in August 2024 on a dedicated behavioral unit at the jail. In this conversation, Cole shares how the increased need for mental health care impacts inmates who need help, staff who care for them, and victims waiting for justice.

The most wonderful time of the year can be the toughest for many of us. We dive into the emotions of the season on our latest Hear me. See me. podcast. Ariel Ludwig with Valeo Behavioral Health in Topeka says expectations can add to stress and anxiety, and also grief and depression. Hear his strategies to understand why we’re feeling all the feelings, and how to cope with them.

Our men and women who serve in the military have many experiences that can put a strain on mental health. In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Christina Menager, who leads the VA Eastern Kansas Health System Suicide Prevention Program, shares how veteran’s experiences - both inside and outside deployment - can impact them throughout their lives and put them at risk for mental health struggles. Dr. Menager dives into the emotions veterans may experience because of their experience, signs a veteran or loved one may need to seek help, what the VA is doing to reduce stigma, and how they continue working to ensure those who served can get help.

Many people know Dave Lewis from his time on Manhattan radio and as an announcer for Kansas State University. In this conversation, Dave opens up about the loss of his first wife to breast cancer, and his struggles coping with both the loss and incidents from his youth. He also shares how his profession in the public eye added to the struggles.

Mental illness doesn't only affect the person living with it. It impacts everyone around them. Susan Reynolds learned that when her daughter suffered a psychotic break and was diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder.  Susan and her family didn't know what to do, and didn't know where to turn for information. She shares their journey in this emotional conversation, including how she now pays forward to provide other families what she was missing.  

Suicide is a unique concern in our rural communities. The National Rural Health Association reported in 2024 that farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Nick Hasenkamp knows that firsthand. He lost his father to suicide in 2010. Nick witnessed the struggles his father experienced as he farmed near Corning, Kan. Now, Nick talks about his family's experience in hopes of convincing others to speak up, and to present a whole picture of who his father was.

Giving people access close to home can be a key to improving mental health. An example of that is SENT Topeka, a non-profit based in a southeast Topeka neighborhood once known for crime and poverty. Tricia Sublet, LSCSW, SENT's mental health director, explains the organization realized the need for mental health services and details the difference it's made. The holistic approach that sees the value of each person is an investment many communities could model.

Kids spend a lot of their waking hours in classrooms, and there's now a greater realization of the role schools can play in their mental health. In this Hear me. See me. podcast, Trish Backman, school mental health coordinator for the Kansas Dept. of Education, talks about her work to support schools and educators so they know how to reach out to students. She said that includes new suicide prevention trainings, plans and programs that schools have implemented in recent years. Find out what's making a difference, and why obstacles remain.

Adam Cobuluis grew up in a family that used, made and sold drugs. It led him to addiction and incarceration. Today, he's a peer mentor for an organization that helps formerly incarcerated people reenter society. His is a story of recovery, resilience - and the power of second chances.

Jim Crosby served active duty and with the Kansas National Guard. He said the military does a great job training people to deploy, but wasn't so aware when it came to preparing them to transition back to civilian life. In this conversation, he shares his experiences, and how a personal tragedy led to him leading the group Together for Veterans AND Morris County.

He just needed someone to believe in him. Gordon Smith said a desire to fit in led to bad choices and, eventually, prison. He said it wasn't until key people looked deeper and discovered he was living with mental illness that he was able to move forward. Gordon shares his story of fighting back to overcome addiction, reignite his passion for education, and, today, giving back as a counselor and director at Topeka-based Mirror, Inc.

Whit Downing’s first memory of a mental health struggle is from kindergarten. Since then, she’s been diagnosed with autism, anxiety, depression and PTSD. It’s taken her through cycles of isolation and suicidal ideation. Here, Whit shares her journey, and how finding professional help and building a support system have her educating and advocating through a job with the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities.

You CAN gain skills to help you better navigate challenges. Brad Chapin, clinical services director with Topeka's Stormont Vail Behavioral Health, shares his lessons for developing resiliency at any age. He also speaks publicly for the first time about a time in his teens, and how his career marks a full-circle moment. 

Gayla Kelly knew her son Logan struggled, but, as long as he answered her calls and texts, he'd be okay. A message in Feburary 2024 went unanswered. A week later, Logan, 29, was found and the news confirmed: he had died by suicide. Gayla now honors Logan by encouraging acts of kindness, in hopes of reaching someone when they might need it most. Help is out there, and with it, she says, comes hope.

When her younger brother died by suicide in 2010, Alicia Walker said it took her a long time to find her purpose. Eight years later, it led her and her family to found HEARTS, Helping Empower Adolescents Reject Thoughts of Suicide. In this conversation, she shares her journey and HEARTS’ unique approach to helping young people see their value and build resilience.  

The Menninger Clinic broke new ground in psychiatric care when it was founded 100 years ago in Topeka, Kan. Now based in Houston, current CEO Armando Colombo sat down with former CEO Dr. Walt Menninger, whose father, uncle and grandfather founded the clinic. Hear what they say about the history of mental health care, its present state, and where we go from here.

We often let you know that the 988 Lifeline is there 24/7 if you need help. But what happens when you call the number? And who should call? Jared Auten, crisis communications manager with HealthSource, takes us through it step by step, and reveals the very personal motivation behind his work.

AJ Wilkerson firmly believes laughter is the best medicine, and experiencing joy with others is part of the healing. AJ lives with autism, social anxiety, ADHD and depressive tendencies. In this candid interview, he discusses his later-in-life diagnosis, and how getting out of his comfort zone to do standup comedy helps him cope. Check out AJ's comedy and upcoming shows

What law enforcement and first responders see on the job will change how they view the world. That's why Tony Mattivi said he worked to ensure mental wellness programs remained a priority when he stepped in as director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.  In this conversation, he shares the surprising revelation he experienced in implementing one new measure - and he brings along a special guest who made us all feel better!

Food can feed our bodies, minds and souls. Chef Adam VanDonge, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist and owner of The White Linen in downtown Topeka, uses creating and serving food as an outlet for his mental health. In this conversation, he shares how he copes with anxiety and depression, and how he's learned to put social media in proper perspective. wibw.com/hearmeseeme  

You likely spend more waking hours with your co-workers than you do with your family. In this candid conversation, Cody Foster, co-founder of Topeka-based Advisors Excel, shares what led him to make mental health support a priority in his workplace, the surprising lessons he's learned, and why it makes sense - as a human and as a business person.     

You've heard of CPR and direct pressure for physical first aid response, but what about becoming a first responder for mental health?   Mikki Burcher with Topeka's Valeo Behavioral Health shares the basics of Mental Health First Aid, and why the personal reason she's so passionate about sharing the knowledge.

Do you know "The Sigh?!" Ariel Ludwig, outpatient services manger for Valeo Behavioral Health in Topeka, Kan., explores why the holiday season brings up so many emotions, how we can cope with them, and why it's normal to get in our feelings once in a while. Take a deep breath - you'll be glad you took time for this!

His humorous social media posts are sprinkled with serious offers of a listening ear and a fancy sparkling water. They're born from experiences on the job as a law enforcement officer, and on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this episode, Marine Corps veteran and Wabaunsee Co., Kan. undersheriff Eric Kirsch reveals the personal struggles that shaped his personal mission to help others overcome and know they're not alone.  

Melissa Owen's sister loved lighthouses. When she died by suicide, Melissa wanted to offer others a light in the darkness through Beacon for Hope. In this conversation, Melissa shares her journey to founding the suicide prevention organization and how they work to connect people with resources addressing issues that might lead to mental health struggles.

If parents' love could stop bad things from happening, John 'The Iron Man' Cantrell said he had ten times more than he needed. But it wasn't enough to keep mental illness from leading him down a path of addiction, prison, even attempting to take his own life.  In this conversation, the boxing champ gets raw about his story, and why he feels obligated to share it - so others know they're not alone.

Brail Watson is a classically-trained musician, a rapper and a pastor. His latest album is focused on mental health - it even debuted with a youth mental health awareness event. In this candid conversation, Brail shares how his upbringing shaped his mental health journey, how music is an outlet, and how his own experiences with racism - and a conversation with a friend - caused him to rethink his own views on race.

Rachel Holthaus survived a devastating accident that she'll now tell you was no accident. Her journey through mental health struggles, to cries for help, to -now- dealing in hope is inspiring.

Struggling with mental health issues as a pre-teen, Alicia Strube felt alone and isolated. It all changed when she started what would grow to be one of the largest mental health support groups on Facebook.

Yes, THAT Melissa Etheridge! The Leavenworth, Kan. native shares about her new docu-series and music recorded at Topeka Correctional Facility. The conversation touches on trauma, second chances, lessons learned, and finding joy.

Our bodies and our lifestyles change as we get older - whether we want it to happen or not! And that can take a toll on our mental health. Author and speaker Connie Michaelis shares lessons learned from her career working in adult care, as well as her own aging journey.

On Jan. 19, 2021, Damon Quigley asked his mom to bring home his favorite snacks, told her he loved her, then, later that day, took his own life. He was just 13-years-old.  In this candid conversation, his mom Brenda shares how the family has turned their pain into purpose. Hear why they decided to be open about their story - and what she would tell Damon, if she'd had the chance.

Tevyn Harmon has become a social media sensation, spreading peace and love, and sharing the positive spin on his hometown of Topeka, Kan. Tevyn also is raising awareness of mental health. Take a listen to his journey, and what everyone can learn from it.

Stacey Lyddon said art is her self-healing superpower. The discovery helped her rebuild her life, but the journey started with childhood trauma that led her through a cycle of addiction, homelessness and legal trouble.

Licensed social worker and counselor Phelica Glass is known for her positive, motivating aura.  But she says it's a choice she makes every day. She shares her journey and lessons learned in this candid conversation.

A special Mental Health Awareness Month edition of Eye on NE Kansas focused on WIBW's "Hear me. See me." campaign.

The Menninger family changed the way many people viewed and approached mental health issues when Drs. William, Karl and C.F. founded the Menninger Clinic in 1925 in Topeka, Kan. William's son, Dr. Walt, remains in Topeka today, where he's enjoyed something of a renaissance, especially among younger generations. In this exclusive conversation for WIBW's Hear me. See me. campaign, Dr. Walt talks about his family's impact, his own research into how our mind's work - and just how it is he's able to  connect so well with younger people!

Damon Parker seemed on top of the world: the high school wrestling teams he coached just won state titles, his infectious personality won over all he met. But then, a colleague of his wife's took his own life, and Damon came face to face with his own demons. In this open and frank conversation, Damon shares his mental health struggles, what it took for him to come forward, and how he spreads the message that help is available. He also offers perspective on how he approaches young athletes. Damon Parker is now executive director of The Jones Project. Find mental health resources at wibw.com/HearMeSeeMe  

Kenisha Morton, LMSW and Angel Patterson-Tetuan, APRN are mental health providers in Topeka, Kan. Both are Black women who advocate for overcoming barriers to accessing mental health care, whether they be systemic or cultural.

Hear me. See me. is a project of WIBW-TV designed to raise awareness of mental health and the issues surrounding it. Part of the effort is to give voice to people to share their stories. S.J. Hazim is a community advocate and activator, enterpreneur, musician and more. In this conversation with host Melissa Brunner, S.J. shares the more personal backstory that's led to where he is today, and how it led to his involvement with NAMI Kansas. If you think you know S.J., take a listen - you may be surprised!

If you are in crisis or need someone to listen, call 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Hear me. See me. is a year-long effort by WIBW-TV to focus on issues surrounding mental health. We aim to raise awareness, amplify voices and inspire change. In this debut episode, we share the project's launch during a special Eye on NE Kansas, bringing together representives of mental health organizations from throughout NE Kansas for an overview of the issue.