Maximize Mental Health - Your Weekly Podcast

Host: Ryan McIlhennonInterviewee: Lesley SackeyTrigger warning: Domestic Abuse Summary: In this deeply moving episode, Lesley Sackey —former GB boxer, gold medalist, and founder of Fight Forward and Pillow.ai—shares her journey from athletic success to surviving domestic abuse, and, ultimately, empowerment. Behind the medals was a story rarely told: one of surviving an abusive relationship and rediscovering her strength through the sport she once dominated.Lesley speaks candidly about reclaiming agency through physical training, confronting societal assumptions around abuse, and building platforms to support women on their journey from surviving to thriving. Her story is a call for awareness, resilience, and community.Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennonInterviewee: Ana Lameiras Trigger warning: General discussion of mental health challenges Summary: In this episode, we’re joined by Ana Lameiras, a mindset coach, sports psychology advisor, and mentor with a deep understanding of the pressures young athletes face—especially from her dual perspective as both a practitioner and mother of two football players. Ana reflects on the emotional and psychological development athletes undergo while navigating identity, academic stress, and media scrutiny. She shares insights from her work as a PFA mentor, where she supports players through leadership development, mental health guidance, and emotional intelligence training.From the unique challenges of female footballers to the importance of authenticity, Ana emphasises empowering athletes not just to perform, but to truly understand and care for themselves beyond the pitch.Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennonInterviewee: Sergio PlumariTrigger warning: General discussion of mental health challenges Summary: In this episode, former professional athlete Sergio Lumari opens up about the intense mental pressures faced by young athletes. Starting their careers as children, athletes are often thrust into high-stakes environments where performance is expected both physically and mentally. Sergio discusses how the constant scrutiny from social media and the public’s perception of athletes as “machines” can prevent honest conversations about mental health. He highlights common struggles such as burnout, anxiety, and depression, especially as athletes navigate transitions like retirement and entering the corporate world. Sergio stresses the importance of building resilience, developing psychological toolkits, and recognizing athletes as multidimensional human beings beyond their talents.Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennonInterviewee: Keisha YorkTrigger warning: General discussion of mental health challenges Summary: In this episode, Keisha York, founder of the Black People and Psychiatry and Psychology Network (BiPP), discusses the significant racial inequities in the mental health field. With a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Organizational Psychiatry and Psychology, Keisha felt isolated as one of the few Black students in her programs. This sense of alienation, coupled with a curriculum that predominantly presented a Eurocentric view of mental health, motivated her to create BiPP. She emphasizes the need for decolonizing mental health education and increasing representation within the field to address systemic disadvantages faced by Black individuals.Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennonInterviewee: Stefano Di RicoTrigger warning: Anxiety/depressionSummary: In this insightful episode, 19-year-old Stefano Di Rico, a youth mental health campaigner and activist, shares his journey into mental health advocacy. Sparked by the need among his peers for advice and support, Stefano's involvement grew as he connected with national charities like Young Minds. He discusses the challenges in youth mental health, such as long waiting lists, the lack of preventive care, and the need for comprehensive education and early intervention in schools. Stefano emphasizes the importance of peer support, cultural shifts in mental health perception, and involving lived experiences in policymaking.Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennonInterviewee: Kitty AliceTrigger warning: Anorexia, PTSD & AnxietySummary:In this episode, Kitty Alice, Co-founder of CounterPoint Wellness, shares her personal journey with PTSD and anorexia, which began at just 15 years old. Supported by her family, Kitty underwent therapy from a young age, but she quickly realized the limitations of the available support when her mental health challenges manifested as an eating disorder. This realization spurred her on a mission to improve mental health and support systems. Kitty discusses the crucial interconnectedness of physical and mental health, the importance of comprehensive health education in schools, and the need for accessible support services covering a range of needs from dietary to psychological.Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Daniel Samosir Botcherby Trigger warning: Mental Health Summary: Daniel Samosir Botcherby talks to Maximize about his journey to founding Kalda - the world's first LGBTQIA+ self-therapy and mental well-being app. He discusses with us what he thinks people most misunderstand about LGBTQIA+ mental health and the changes he would like to see in the world within the next few years. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Sitara Samtani Trigger warning: Trauma Summary: Child and Adolescent psychotherapist Sitara Samtani speaks to us about her co-authored picture book 'Emotional Needs', her work with children and adolescents with special needs, and the merits of Schema Therapy. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Dr Camilla Pang Trigger warning: ADHD Summary: Justine Graham ADHD coach and founder of Adaptive Minds, speaks to us about her own lived experience of ADHD and her advice for young people struggling with ADHD. With her work, she helps people to create their own set of rules that are built in THEIR brains so that everyone can show up as their authentic selves: ⚡️ Manage your mental energy by creating a simple system that supports your executive function. ⚡️ Boost your physical energy with energy enhancers that work for you and your nervous system. ⚡️ Regulate your emotional energy which is the key to unblocking the resistance and limiting beliefs that hold you back from getting started & going for what you really want. ⚡️ Understand what your strengths, values and core purpose is - so you are set up to succeed. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Madeleine Black Trigger warning: Sexual Assault and Rape Summary: Psychotherapist, podcast host and 2x TEDx speaker Madeleine Black speaks to us about her journey. She has an unusual personal story which she uses to inspire and motivate others. She chose to forgive the two men who gang-raped her at thirteen years old. She also speaks out to end the shame, stigma and silence surrounding sexual violence. Madeleine started her podcast show in November 2020 “Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling” which features amazing individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Jeremy Indika Trigger warning: Sexual Abuse Summary: Jeremy Indika speaks to us about his journey to founding 'Something to Say', his lived experience of CSA and the importance of having taboo conversations. Jeremy is a male survivor of child sexual abuse sharing his story in the most creative ways that he can think of. As the founder of 'Something to Say' he uses film, animation, and illustration in an attempt to engage the audience on this very tough subject to bring more awareness and break stigmas. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Dr Camilla Pang Summary: Dr Camilla Pang is a British computational biologist, writer, and autism advocate. In 2020, she was awarded the Royal Society Prize for Science Books for her memoir, Explaining Humans: What Science Can Teach Us about Life, Love and Relationships. Today she speaks to us about her lived experience of autism, the importance of not demonising yourself and finding your language. We also talk about the importance of educators being able to encourage children to be inquisitive and ask questions. Camilla's new book Breakthrough was published on 25th April where she will look at some of the biggest mysteries facing science today and how some of the best, most cutting-edge scientists can illuminate our own approaches to observation, hypothesis, exploration, troubleshooting and discovery in our own lives. Breakthrough explores the frontier between what we do and don’t know about the world: where knowledge meets mystery, complexity overwhelms certainty, and the vastness of our universe unspools the logic of science's established laws. It was an incredible read and we highly recommend it! Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Dr Felix Rivera Trigger warning: Anxiety/Depression Summary: Dr Felix Rivera, neurologist and health tech consultant, speaks to us about the empowering nature of knowing that the brain can be rewired through awareness and experience. He also speaks about the importance of increasing knowledge of the "sixth sense" of proprioception with regard to trauma and past experiences. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Kate Hoyle Trigger warning: Anxiety/Depression Summary: Kate Hoyle, an award-winning hypnotherapist talks to us about the benefits of hypnotherapy compared to other schools of therapy when trying to help teenagers and young people, the importance of helping children build a healthy self-image, and how you can regain the ability to take back control of your own thoughts.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Sam Moinet Trigger warning: Depression Summary: Sam Moinet, a former teacher and founder and CEO of Student Breakthrough and Educators Coaching Academy (ECA), talks to us about his journey to founding ECA and SB, the task of reforming an outdated and dysfunctional education system, and the importance of values and creating your own path.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Joel Felsenstein Trigger warning: Anxiety  Summary:  Joel Felsenstein, founder and CEO of RockstarX, talks to us about his lived experience of autism, the importance of thinking outside the box, and the vital work of creating a society that is fully accommodating to the full spectrum of humanity.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Deborah Nelson Trigger warning: Anxiety/Depression Summary: Deborah Nelson, director of Impossible Mental Health, speaks to us about academic pressure faced in school by young people, the biggest challenges facing us in terms of treating poor mental health, and the journey that took her to a career in the professional world of mental health.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Ange McMillan Trigger warning: Anxiety Summary: Director of Elemental Health Ltd, Ange McMillan speaks to us about the pressure faced today by young people, the effectiveness and role of the school counsellor, the importance of mental health literacy for parents, and bridging the gap between the professional world of therapy and the inherent rebelliousness of adolescents.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Jo Morton-Brown Topic: The importance of giving, mental health literacy and promoting happy young lives. Trigger warning: Anxiety & Depression Summary: Jo Morton-Brown, emotional health practitioner at Flourish, speaks to Maximize about the importance of mental health literacy, the act of giving and promoting happy young lives Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Jaron Soh  Trigger warning: Anxiety/Depression Summary: Jaron Soh talks to us about his journey to founding Voda, the LGBTQIA+ mental wellness app, his lived experience of growing up LGBTQIA+ in Singapore, and the importance of increasing the LGBTQIA+ presence in the investor pool and business at large. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Katie Matthews-Furphy   Trigger warning: Anxiety/Depression Summary: NI Young Business Person of 2022 Katie Matthews Furphy talks to us about her journey to founding The Mind Tribe UK, the importance of allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and not caring about what others think in the pursuit of what you want in life. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Oscar Yoorkevich  Trigger warning: Bipolar disorder  Summary:  ;Hope founder Oscar Yoorkevich talks to us about his journey across the world talking to different people and their perceptions of mental health, what the process of filming his documentary has taught him and the changes he would like to see take place in the next 10 years. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Adam Rutstein  Trigger warning: ADHD Summary: Unify Giving chief technology officer Adam Rutstein joins us to talk about his lived experience of ADHD and his advice to Gen-Z and others about neurodiversity and embracing who you are to the fullest extent.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Leona Donaghy  Summary: Healthy building consultant Leona Donaghy speaks to us about clean air, environmental consciousness and the importance of being mindful of the quality of your living environment for your mental and physical well-being.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Lindsey Depledge  Topic: Today our guest is behavioural scientist Lindsey Depledge who talks to us about her journey into health tech and founding Beanbag Health, her lived experience of receiving a diagnosis of epilepsy and her advice for Gen-Z for looking after their mental health.  Trigger warning: Epilepsy    Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Lara Rebecca Trigger warning: Eating disorders  Summary: Today our guest is Lara Rebecca who talks to us about her own journey and experience with eating disorders and the importance of developing an optimistic mindset in navigating the world of mental health.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Vivian McKinnon Trigger warning: Anxiety/depression  Summary: Today our guest is trauma therapist and Hydro-Ease founder Vivian McKinnon, who talks to us about her journey to founding Hydro-Ease, the first floatation therapy centre in Northern Ireland, as well as the importance of the present moment and maintaining awareness of the mind-body connection.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Reece MacKinney Trigger warning: Anxiety/depression and discussion of violence   Summary: Today our guest is Reece MacKinney, who talks to us about the subtle pressures that underpin the formation of a traditional masculine identity and what behaviours and patterns parents, teachers and all of us can look out for as children and young people negotiate their identity.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Shaun Flores Trigger warning: OCD  Summary: Today our guest is Shaun Flores, who talks to us about his experiences living with OCD, cultural issues around mental health and the importance of community in creating a healthier and happier future for us all.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Jules Lechler-Lombardi   Trigger warning: Anxiety/depression Summary: Today our guest is Jules Lechler-Lombardi, who talks to us about their mental health struggles, advice for young people struggling with their gender identity and increasing acceptance and knowledge of different gender identities in society.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Adam Brennan Trigger warning: Suicide discussed  Summary: Today our guest is Adam Brennan, a personal trainer who talks to us about his mental health struggles, advice for young people struggling with mental health and the importance of living in the present moment.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Pallavi Mahajan Trigger warning: Gender oppression discussed.  Summary: Today our guest is Pallavi Mahajan of the United Nations and Government of India who speaks to us about gender equality and the challenges faced in advancing gender equality, as well as the changes she would like to see take place in the future.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Kartik Rai Trigger warning: Anxiety and depression Summary: Our guest this week is Kartik Rai of Penumbra Mental Health, who speaks to us about what constitutes good mental health, the biggest challenges regarding mental illness, and what changes he would like to see in the future regarding treatment of poor mental health. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week.

Trigger warning: This episode has triggers for anxiety and eating disorders.  Summary: Today our guest is Lauren Houston of Action Mental Health who will discuss her own mental health journey and what led her to working in the field of mental health care itself. Lauren also discusses what she thinks needs to be done to promote mental wellbeing on a broader scale within society, and the changes she would like to see take place.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Trigger warning: This episode has triggers for depersonalisation and anxiety.  Summary: Today our guest is Ryan who will share his personal experience of poor mental health throughout his childhood, adolescence and adult life and how this enabled him to reflect not only on the influence of personal trauma but also how certain cultural values/expectations can shape and influence the manifestation of poor mental health.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: www.maxim-vr.com Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Trigger warning: Depression, Self-harm, Anxiety Summary: Judy is a CBT therapist. Today she gives everyday tips on how to handle low days. She also helps us to understand the difference between being depressed and feeling depressed. She talks about the impact of social media, anxiety, self-harm and depression. She also shares tips that can help you when you feel low, and how helpful it is to share, write or talk about your feelings. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ  for new episodes every week.

Trigger warning: Drugs, Dead and Grief Summary: Kevin is sharing his story about losing his teenage son Patrick to a one-time party drug. As a father, he shares his opinion on how peer pressure, wrong education and access to not ‘clean’ MD caused his son’s dead. He also shares how Kevin’s dead affected his siblings, friends, and parent's mental health and how everyone had to find their way to grief. Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize GenZ for new episodes every week.

Trigger warning: Possible discussion of abuse  Summary: Lisa is the founder of Maxim VR. She is sharing her lived experiences about domestic abuse and mental health struggles, and how this motivated her to found a startup that is helping young people to unplug and decompress.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Gen Z for new episodes every week.

Trigger warning: This episode has references to anxiety Summary: Today our guest is Barbara. She is sharing how an anxiety attack at the beginning of her twenties let her reevaluate who she was. She became more aware of how other people are suffering from mental health struggles and how this must affect their lives, mood and emotions. Looking back to when she was a teenager, she knows today how her unawareness towards other people's wellbeing, must have affected them.  Connect with us on: Instagram: ⁠@maxim.app⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠ Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week.