MindSet with Tom McNulty, M.S. - Behavioral Health, Neurology & Medical Integration

The Episodes Project is a solution-based, three-component initiative designed to bring more compassion, knowledge, skill sets, humanity, and kindness to those experiencing daily or frequent turmoil related to a behavioral health concern. That "dark cloud" of misery during behavioral health moments can drain the strongest among us and tear down our spirit. For those in our community who, by virtue of their job duties, will encounter troubled or deeply disturbed individuals, there is no such thing as too many skill sets. Peter Hertsgaard, M.F.A., joins Tom McNulty, M.S., for another open discussion on the state of behavioral health in our time. Mass shootings, family murder, sexual assaults, human trafficking, dangerous drug use, suicide, peer bullying, fear, community trauma, and so much more seem omnipresent no matter what zip code you hold dear. Is behavioral health really making the impact we need? There were approximately 38,000 deaths by guns in the USA last year, and 24,000+ were suicides by gun. Is it possible you might know someone who desperately needs help? Do you know what to do? Have you lost someone? It is sad how many lives we lose every day because of flawed protocols, ignorance, stupidity, governmental incompetence, injustice, and indifference. Please help The Episodes Project come to every community to save lives. You can support our podcast with a monthly donation. Here's how: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1899171/support  Any amount is tremendously appreciated. Finally, please share this podcast with those you know could benefit from our information. Thank you very much.Tom McNulty, M.S.HostE: [email protected] us Fan MailSupport the show

Sadly, our society is overflowing with misinformation and intentionally incorrect and overestimated proclamations from individuals who are invested in protecting their own incompetence. Their primary objective is to protect and inflate their own sense of self, their flawed knowledge base in an effort to appear superior to others. They defend their intellectually deficient claims in order to control those they believe cannot see through their mask of deception. We see this daily in politics, religion, medicine, and all those in positions of expected skill strength. Too often, they are self-inflicted by the Dunning-Kruger Effect - a psychological condition of "cognitive bias". The Dunning-Kruger Effect is attributed to those who proclaim skills they do not posses. Typically, these are individuals who are attention seekers who believe they are fully equipped to render opinions or carry out tasks they have little to no knowledge about that field. Many such individuals' incompetence is a defense mechanism against their insecurities and/or a need to feel superior. Some people underestimate their skills they truly have, but most tend to fabricate their abilities. Obviously, in key areas such as medicine, politics, and other critical fields can lead to tragic outcomes or a flock of dismayed followers. Please listen to this podcast and share it with friends, professionals, media, and teachers. Thank you for listening.Thank you to our sponsors:  DENT Neurologic Institute, Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, The Episodes Project, HHPartners, and our production company, Success Stories, Inc.Tom McNulty, M.S.HostSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Are we a caring society, globe, neighborhood, school, workplace, or self? The world's attitude about others can be very unsettling to witness or read about. Further, in the United States of America and it's long history of reaching out to those less fortunate has eroded and we are no longer a trusted nation. The Mindfulness Alliance serves as a catalyst and community-builder,offering innovative programming in fostering the inner movement from "Me" to "We" to bring about the changes needed to better serve humanity and our planet. They are building a unique community of mindfulness practitioners and change-makers that spans disciplines and sectors and embraces multiple wisdom traditions. The Mindfulness Alliance believes that together we can catalyze our collective capacity to foster awareness-based social change for a more flourishing future - where individuals, institutions, and systems embody more compassion, justice, and inclusivity.Dr. Lisa Napora is the Founder/CEO of The Mindfulness Alliance. Contact her and her team at: www.themindfulnessalliance.org The link for this podcast to share is:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1899171/episodes/17887285Are you stuck in "Me" trying to get to "We"? Tune-in then contact Dr. Lisa Napora.Thank you to our sponsors: DENT Neurologic Institute, Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, HHPartners, Bellissimo International: Models, Artists, & Talent Management, Success Stories, Inc. Kindness.Rocks, and Spotlight on Hope, Inc. (501 c 3) - MindSet with Tom McNulty is a program of Spotlight on Hope, Inc.  Donations and sponsorships keep us going! Thank you!Tom McNulty, HostSend us Fan MailSupport the show

NOTES: Listen to Part One, first.We had some infrequent sound quality issues on this recording. We deeply apologize to our terrific guests and our listeners.Hospitality is Good, But It Belongs in the HospitalThis is Part Two of a very popular podcast on healthcare hospitality. Our podcast features a foundational discussion of how healthcare hospitality can impact "pain points" in a provider organization. Healthcare hospitality has an important role in physician recruitment, retention, attendance, communication, lawsuits, union strikes, and market position...but...there's more.Guests, Connie Schroyer, Ph.D., an organizational psychologist, Peter C. Hertsgaard, M.F.A. HHPartners' Director, Producer, Writer, and Actor will chat about the concepts, application, implementation and the use of "interactive theater".Follow HHPartnerswww.hhpartners38.wordpress.comThank you and Be Well!Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Just Imagine!If healthcare isn't the most critical service to others, what could it be? Everyday, in some fashion or experience, we interact with others who treat us very well or we have an encounter that drives up our anxiety or anger. Today's podcast focuses on the practical, well-documented, and proven philosophical approaches to fellow human beings in any healthcare environment. The word "hospital" is part of the word "hospitality." Hospitality is not customer service, valet parking, a gift shop, or a McDonalds in your facility; rather, it is innately in those in the healthcare profession, but it may have lost some luster. Why do people study for years and keep studying and learning as healthcare workers? Because the passion to help others demonstrates kindness, compassion, and a commitment to go the extra mile to provide comfort to a patient and their family. Did you know most healthcare lawsuits are a result of poor communication, frustration, and a feeling of being ignored? Preventable? HHPartners' Peter Hertsgaard, M.F.A. and Tom McNulty will chat about today's "pain points" in healthcare organizations and how a "no heavy lifting added" approach can help an organization's environment draw more physicians, nurses, donors, patients, support staff and marketshare. The HHPartners are: Nancy Sheehan, RN, JD, Cynthia Ambres, M.D., M.S., Connie Schroyer, Ph.D., Susan Roberts, M.S., Peter C. Hertsgaard, M.F.A., and Tom McNulty, M.S. Please visit our website: www.hhpartners38.wordpress.com If you believe in Healthcare Hospitality and want to know exactly what we do, please contact us. Share this podcast with a healthcare professional. Thank you!Tom McNulty, M.S.HostSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Behavioral Health in America is Badly Broken: The Episodes Project Has A SolutionThis bold podcast addresses the failure of most behavioral health systems across America for many decades. Tom McNulty, M.S., with 45+ years in behavioral health (mental illness and addiction), is joined by Invizion's president and president of Episodes Motion Pictures, Peter C. Hertsgaard, M.F.A. As co-creators of The Episodes Project, Peter and Tom have designed a three-component continuum of behavioral health solutions. The movie, Episodes (written and cast) is a full-feature film that follows a 15-year-old girl, Allie. The neighborhood, city, town or village with frontline responders will receive training and coaching on enhancing intervention, rapid evaluation, and appropriate referral skills. This would include EMTs, law enforcement, campus security, teachers, caregivers, religious leaders, urgent/primary/ER providers, and family. This component is Spotlight on the Community and it uses "interactive theater" as a training tool. The third component, "the EPISODES" is copyright protected and trademark registered. This component keeps the messaging on behavioral health going - long before and after "Mental Health Awareness Month" every May. It consists of 50 shows (Copyright Protected) that could run for five years with 10 episodes/season. The Episodes Project is ready! Additional funding is currently being secured. Spotlight on the Community will launch first.Behavioral health in America is badly broken at a time when our country is facing sudden and massive layoffs, fear is rampant, mass shootings continue, lying is accepted, kids live with a "fear of impending danger" due to school drills, mass shootings, human trafficking, cyber-assaults, opioids, fentanyl, teen suicide, despair, and...depression is still the number one reason employees call in sick. How many mass shooters have failed behavioral health intervention?Learn more about The Episodes Project on Facebook and LinkedIn. The website is: www.episodesthemovie.com.  Send Tom an email at: [email protected]. Please share this podcast. Thank you.Tom McNulty, M.S. -HostA program of Spotlight on Hope, Inc.  Produced by Success Stories, Inc.Sponsored by: DENT Neurologic Institute, Success Stories, Inc., HHPartners,Buffalo Renaissance Foundation's Veteran Affairs CommitteeSend us Fan MailSupport the show

For many years, the message about marijuana was it was a "gateway" drug to other more dangerous and illegal drugs. As a therapist working with adolescents in South Florida in the 1970s and 1980s, that was our clinical message to teens and adults. Pablo Escobar, the Calle Cartel, and Manuel Noreiga were flooding the streets with all kinds of drugs. Today, "street" drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids and Xanax-look-a-likes are laced with fentanyl that produced more than 115,000 overdose deaths in 2023 - up from 64,000 in 2017. Along comes medical cannabis and states approving recreational marijuana use.In this podcast, we talk with an internationally recognized expert in the therapeutic, pharmaceutically produced, and medically scripted cannabis and its applications for many conditions from anorexia to a list of neurologic conditions. Our guests include, Laszlo L. Metchler, MD, FAAN, FEAN,FASN, FAHS, Board Certified Neurologist and Oncologist and expert in neuro-research and neuroimaging, Maria Caserta, Director of Community Education and Marketing ([email protected]), and DENT's researcher, Chris Ralyea. This podcast is straightforward, purely science, research, and clinically accurate information from the experts at DENT Neurological Institute www.dentinstitute.com  (716) 250-2000. Dr. Metchler has spoken about the appropriate use of medical cannabis around the world and has developed a line of products - available now. DENT Neurologic Institute is the largest neurology practice in the USA. They created the DENT Neuroscience Research Center (not-for-profit) to constantly explore new treatments- both located in Amherst, NY. Please share this podcast with those who can benefit from this information. Thank you very much! Be well!Tom McNulty, M.S.HostSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Hurricanes, Tornado Storms, Flash Floods, Mudslides, Forest Fires, & Trauma:What To Say and Not Say To Children and AdolescentsWe get multi-level, print and electronic, and tragically repetitive news stories that adults take for granted. Still, the weather and natural disasters emotionally impact children because the drama leads to the trauma. Recently, several neighbors with children have asked me about what they should say regarding the fear and worry they see in their children about "weather trauma". It is a real thing. The reoccurring threat of hurricanes, floods, forest fires, and tornado storms has caught the attention of our kids. Their brains cannot properly process the power of these traumas and, therefore, they tighten up, cry, have nightmares, and have lots of questions. Are you ready to answer their questions or recognize their warning signs?This broadcast will give you fundamental tips to address your children's reactions and the critical importance of active listening and helpful communication. Be well. Be safe.Thank you,Tom McNulty, M.S.Sponsors: DENT Neurologic Institute, Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, The Episodes ProjectSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Tom McNulty, M.S. has 45+ years in behavioral health. As such, he was very excited about interviewing DENT Neurologic Institute's Director of Addiction Medicine, Dawn Harbatkin, M.D. - board-certified in Addiction Medicine and also in Internal Medicine.If you have a family member, neighbor, co-worker, colleague, or friend struggling with addiction to nicotine, alcohol, opioids, or is a multi-drug user/abuser, there is tremendous help at DENT Neurologic Institute (716-961-9204) - the kind of immediate help that can save a life! Why wouldn't you call today?DENT Neurologic Institute's Addiction Services promises an appointment within 48 hours - that's incredible! Using an "integrative" approach, Dr. Harbatkin can address medical and addiction issues together, in collaboration with your loved one's other physicians and primary care. Treatment is compassionate and educational, and Dr. Harbatkin addresses addiction as the brain disease that it is with no punitive messaging should someone relapse. Gone are the days of being kicked out of treatment for a "dirty urine" report. Find out about the humanistic approach Dr. Harbatkin employs and how she supports the use of medicines she believes are grossly underutilized, yet extremely effective. This is a podcast to share! Please! You may save a life. Let TODAY be the day you find the courage to call DENT Neurologic Institute's Addiction Services at (716-961-9204). Thank you and thank you, Dr. Dawn Harbatkin for saving lives.Tom McNulty, M.S.Host, MindSet with Tom McNulty, M.S.Sponsored by The Episodes Project, Buffalo Rennaissance Foundation's Veteran Committee, DENT Neurologic Institute, Success Stories, Inc. and Spotlight on Hope, Inc. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

A veteran once asked me, "So, you think you know me?" After 10 seconds, I realized I was full of misconceptions, 'bad intel", and unrealistic expectations. I took the time to listen and better understand and it opened up my eyes to the often insurmountable challenges returning veterans face. I learned that when a military person serves, the whole family serves and is full of emotions. It seems each war has its own inhumanity, psychological turmoil, survivor guilt, fear of failure, and major adjustments for its service men and women. While Vietnam veterans probably had it the worst, each generation of military face enemies that can't see, they can't define them because of no official uniforms, or they use children to carry bombs to kill Americans.The suicide rate for Iraq/Afghanistan veterans is the highest of any American military war or conflict. Why?Didn't the Commander's debrief with the troops prepare them for returning home? "What debrief?" a soldier once said back to me. This podcast's guest is Army Reserve Veteran, Chris Kreiger, Founder, President/CEO of WNY Heroes, Inc. (501 c 3 Not-for-Profit Since 2008). Chris did four tours in Iraq and was seriously injured four times. As a medic, he pushed to get back in the battle and take care of the wounded, but when he came home, how was he treated? Please listen to this podcast and share it with someone who could benefit. Also, Chris will talk about, "Pawsitive for Heroes" - a military service dog program for qualified veterans (only). This has grown to become a nationally requested need of many veterans around the United States. They have matched more than 200+ veterans to military service dogs. They need more support. Each graduating dog costs between $7,500-$10,000 to fully train. Maybe you love animals or you have a veteran in your family or community who could benefit from a service dog. Here's how to apply: Call- (716) 630-5020 or www.WNYHeroes.org. Tell them you heard about it on MindSet with Tom McNulty, M.S.Support Our Troops by Supporting WNY Heroes!!Tom McNulty, M.S.P.S. "Not Broken" is a hit by Goo Goo Dolls about returning veterans. Thanks, guys!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Your Children Need Behavioral HealthChildren are increasingly at risk when it comes to their behavioral health. They need informed parents and trained teachers and administrators to recognize their emotional ups and downs. Children from birth to 17 (and into early adulthood) are more vulnerable today because of multiple factors that can engulf them:1.) Increased thoughts of self-harm and suicide.2.) Vaping, drinking, hazing, drug use, and poor nutrition.3.) Domestic violence, separation/divorce, parents with multiple partners.4.) School shootings and the perception that it could happen to them.5.) Television news, social media, web (and 'Dark Web'), and cyberbullying.6.) Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs): School bullying, body shaming, hostile teachers, racism, gender, and ethnic discrimination.7.) Poverty, dangerous neighborhoods, fear of police, and shootings.8.) Lack of positive parental interactions: shouting vs. affection; swearing vs. teaching coping skills; cellphones vs. face-to-face conversations, selfish parents vs. family time, and using video games/TV/l Pads as 'babysitting' conveniences.9.) Parents who don't participate in their children's schools.10.) Teachers who don't practice behavioral health basics when interacting with students.Is that enough? Because many more issues are stressing our children that parents and teachers may not comprehend. This podcast will help you better understand the behavioral health stressors children and teens face and what to do about it NOW!Please share this important podcast with parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends.Thank you for caring,Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression defined by a reoccurring seasonal pattern highlighted by mood changes, irritability, helplessness, pessimism, persistent sadness, decreased energy, hypersomnia, overeating, seasonal hibernation, aggressive behavior, reduced work or school performance, and family history. Millions of Americans (more women than men and more younger people than older adults) experience SAD.While many people believe it is a "winter-only" condition, it can surface in late spring into summer and late fall into and through the winter. Summer SAD is often related to the heat and humidity in scorching areas for months at a time. The heat can feel unavoidable for those prone to summer SAD.This podcast addresses SAD with the most current clinical information on definition, signs and symptoms, geography, family history, diagnostics, causes, and treatment. Listeners will also learn about light therapy, antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, Vitamin D, substance abuse risks, and the plausibility of preventing SAD.Resources: National Institute of Mental Health, DENT Neurologic Institute, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, and your local county Department of Behavioral Health.Please share this podcast with family, friends, co-workers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.Thank you,Tom McNulty, M.S.Host, MindSet with Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Lixin Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. is an Attending Neurologist and Director of the Dizziness and Balance Center at DENT Neurologic Institute. His patient focus is on balance disorders, dizziness/vertigo, sleep medicine, and epilepsy as well as general neurology. Dr. Zhang has 12 years of extensive neuroscience research experience with almost 30 peer-reviewed publications in various neuroscience journals. As one of the principal investigators, Dr. Zhang has been involved in multiple national clinical research projects in Restless Leg Syndrome, Neuropathic Pain, and Epilepsy. Currently, he is developing new research projects focusing on Meniere’s Disease, migraine-associated vertigo, and imbalance/falls in elderly patients. There are 15 different types of vertigo, so seeing a neurologist first for a comprehensive assessment is critical. DENT Neurologic Institute is fully equipped with the best diagnostic technology to identify your type of vertigo accurately. Dr. Zhang sees patients from all over the world and is highly sought after for his research and innovative treatment for vertigo and balance disorders. Contact DENT Neurologic Institute at (716)250-2000.Thank you and please 'Share' this important information.Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Schoolyard bullying is bad enough. We all know what it looks like, or so we think, right? Kids tease each other, but it can get grossly out of hand and end tragically. Imagine bullying behavior in the workplace. Executives, managers, supervisors, and even fellow employees use bullying tactics to intimidate employees to do something they know is wrong. But where do you go? To your boss? To Human Resources, maybe? It can be an extremely stressful reality and one often ignored by those who could intervene. We've become aware of sexual harassment xenophobia, racism, and gender bias in our workplace, but CEO and management bullying is rampant. Poison pen emails, text messages, and phone calls mount as intimidation grows more harsh each day. How do you make it stop? Your daily behavioral health is at risk. It would be best if you didn't have to quit to make it stop, but many staff cannot take a minute more. Sadly, suicide does occur and even then, things do not change. This broadcast will help you. Please share this with your colleagues. You may save a life. Thank you!Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Behavioral health is often an afterthought in today's healthcare environment, but not at DENT Neurologic Institute. The largest neurology practice in the country has an international reputation and a progressive neuropsychiatric approach for patients with challenging behavioral health disorders. Truly a disease of the brain, mental illness can be a treatment-resistant condition for many unique patients who have not found success with medication and/or therapy. DENT Neurologic Institute, located in Buffalo, New York, has embraced behavioral health with passion and vigor to find solutions for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder,  post-traumatic stress, and other serious conditions.Having access to their fellow neurologists gives DENT a true "treatment team approach" to any presenting patients - many who may have other non-behavioral medical conditions that may add to their health struggles. DENT Neurologic Institute is also involved in more than 100 clinical trials through its DENT Neuroscience Research Center in Amherst, New York. To book an assessment appointment, call (716) 250-2000 and ask for behavioral health.DENT Neurologic Institute is celebrating its 60th Anniversary!Thank you for listening to MindSet with Tom McNulty, M.S.Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple, Google, iHeart, Podchaser, Buzzsprout and many others!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Welcome to MindSet 2023 with Tom McNulty, M.S.Without a doubt, Fentanyl is today's most frightening, sneaky, hidden killer that has taken the lives of 110,000 people last year. It is hidden in opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and street drugs that get laced with Fentanyl such as Xanax - is anything off limits? No!Unless you get your medicine from pharmacies that use child-proof caps (not guaranteed) or sealed containers, you cannot be 100% certain. Recently, Fentanyl has been presented as colored gummies or tablets that can look like chewable vitamins to attract younger users. These dangerous times require that current and accurate information be disseminated to parents, teachers, law enforcement, religious leaders, EMTs, urgent care/emergency care/primary care, campus security, and the public. This is exactly the mission of The Episodes Project and its Spotlight on the Community program - training and coaching frontline stakeholders at rapid assessment, referral, and follow-up. Many EMTs and police officers indicate that, over the last several years, they are on more overdose calls than heart attacks, accidents, strokes, and other life-threatening calls.This episode of MindSet 2023 gives you very hard realities of what happens when a loved one ingests Fentanyl and resources to follow to learn more.MindSet 2023 is brought to you by DENT Neurologic Institute, Spotlight on Hope, Inc., and The Episodes Project.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Social media is an enormous and omnipresent reality of our global communications. It's everywhere! As such, it has its advantages if you take the time to investigate each platform's purpose and the benefits it can bring to your daily life. Sadly, it can also be deadly in ways designers never imagined. Almost 95% of pre-teens and adolescents from countries all over the globe use varieties of social media for multiple hours a day. Do parents know what their children and teens are watching every day? In most cases, they do not. Herein lies the danger and the pathway to potential tragedy.In this broadcast of Tom McNulty's MindSet, we provide food for thought about social media in general. There are pros and cons when we can communicate with strangers. The human brain is not fully developed until around age 25. Adolescents are not equipped or prepared to deal with message overload from cell phones and laptops. In fact, many young people are trying to "belong" to something bigger than themselves and reach into areas used to deceive. "Catfishing" is a giant net cast out by predators, human traffickers, those involved in sexting/sextortion, and individuals misrepresenting their identity to pretend to be someone else. Typically, someone engaged in catfishing is searching for a vulnerable victim they can manipulate, embarrass, seduce for sexual favors, threaten, or engage in ruining a person's reputation. While many have a diagnosable mental illness, it does not excuse their planned attacks on social media nor does it mean that individuals with a mental illness are all "catfishing" on the Internet. The critical message in this broadcast is directed at parents, grandparents, and caregivers to be knowledgeable and hypervigilant about what social media and other sites their children and teens are using. Start with an open discussion and encourage honesty (with immunity) as you talk to your children about the very real dangers of engaging in conversational chats with strangers. Not sure? Talk to a behavioral health expert, police officer, or the FBI (I spoke with an FBI agent a few years ago). This is NOT a subject to take lightly. "Catfishing" can be deadly. Thank you for caring enough to listen. Please share this podcast with other parents.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Meet TJ and Kim Burch - two loving parents who saw their son, Nolan go off to West Virginia University from Western New York beaming with pride, enthusiasm, and hope. Like many incoming freshmen, Nolan wanted to get involved and make new friends, so he thought about joining a fraternity. He checked a few out and gravitated to one where he was assigned a "brother" to show him around and to meet the other guys. The role of the "brother" is to look out for you, as Nolan believed would be the case. Then came Pledge Week - a week filled with heavy drinking, humiliation, control by older members, embarrassing activities, blindfolding, and a total disregard for safety and well-being. The drinking was extraordinarily excessive and Nolan was forced to participate as part of the membership ritual. Once he reached a point of unconsciousness, his "brothers" carried him to a room and left him despite signs of troubled breathing, an inability to wake up, and evidence that he had soiled himself. One "brother" kicked him in the ribs and walked away - all captured on the fraternity's security cameras. Nolan was alone for quite some time. Eventually, someone called 911 when Nolan was totally unresponsive. Emergency Room physicians stated that if someone had gotten Nolan to the ER about an hour sooner - he would have been saved. Nolan died and it was preventable.Kim and TJ have dedicated their lives to saving others through blunt, candid, and very real conversations with high school and college students and their parents. This podcast is about their story, needed change regarding fraternities and sororities, responsibility, and accountability for others. It's actually a message of love and kindness to others. Please watch their YouTube video titled, "Breathe, Nolan, Breathe". The Burch family started a Foundation immediately after Nolan's death. Please contact the Foundation to book a speaking engagement at your school or organization: http://www.nmbfoundation.com/Thank you.Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Here we go again in America...Another mass shooting, among far too many, this time in Highland Park, Illinois on July 4th during a small-town parade. A 21-year-old, white, male took to the roof of a building along the parade route and opened fire with a high-powered, assault weapon sending a barrage of 70+ bullets into families, children, parents, teens, and grandparents awaiting the traditional celebratory 4th of July gathering.Children witnessed the horrific death of people from their town. Badly damaged bodies from high-caliber weapons of war littered their streets. They ran. They left everything behind. They saw fear and panic all around them. Not knowing where to run to, they took shelter in stores, alleyways, and even in dumpsters trying to avoid being shot—trauma at its worst with no answers. Parents are not prepared for this level of disaster counseling for their children then or in the many days ahead. Parents and everyone else are experiencing some level of traumatic stress. Children and teens will have lots of needs and questions. This podcast offers some very practical advice and guidance for the days ahead. Consider The National Child Traumatic Stress Network as an additional resource. Additionally, ask your community to bring in The Episodes Project for on-site training and coaching to help recognize the warning signs of a troubled individual. Be well. Be safe. Be proactive. Thank you.Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

The violent and deadly world we live in stirs up emotions we may not always recognize. We see death on television news from war, automobile crashes, plane accidents, mass shootings, terrorism, insurrection, random street shootings, and workplace tragedies involving accidents and shootings. The closer you are to a violent event or how we put ourselves in events, such as the war in Ukraine, Buffalo's mass shooting by a racist white supremacist, or 10-year-old children being slaughtered in their classroom we can find ourselves asking, "why them and not me?"Survivor guilt is a form of post-traumatic stress. Left unaddressed, it can haunt an individual's sense of self, and ability to cope, create daily dysfunction, and, sometimes, lead to attempted suicide or completed suicide. The "guilt" comes from the perpetual questioning of oneself about what I could have done to prevent this or save my friend. When you notice a loved one or friend perseverating over a tragic event involving loss of life and/or severe injuries, be alert and be very serious about listening to that person and knowing your own limitations, and when to seek professional help. People struggling with survivor's guilt are at increased risk when something triggers a reminder of what they feel or experience, including event anniversaries. First responders might feel they could have done better and therefore their guilt lingers. Seeking professional help from a survivor's guilt expert is the best plan of action. Learn more from this MindSet 2022 podcast. Thank you very much!Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Violent children? Really?Yes, really! Sadly, most of the school mass shootings of children and adults are carried out by other children (20 years of age and younger). Tragically, too many adults and parents knew the child's behavior was unhealthy, risky, hateful, and even deadly, but they failed to act on what they were observing.Violent children are part of our violent landscape in America. We make it easy for them to get their hands on high-powered assault rifles, pistols, combat gear, and many other extremely dangerous weapons.As long as America values its guns more than the safety of its children, we will continue to have violent children killing others. In this podcast, you will learn what you can do NOW to help a troubled child. Also, inquire about the Spotlight on the Community program-a component of The Episodes Project. Finally, please share this very important podcast with fellow parents, teachers, law enforcement, religious leaders and medical personnel. Thank you!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

I moved to Buffalo, N.Y. in 1988 and I've lived in WNY ever since. A search firm recruited me to be the first Vice President of Marketing for a psychiatric hospital that opened in 1955. I love the people of Buffalo and I have been highly active in my community far beyond my work in behavioral health.The murderous rampage of assault weapon violence on May 14, 2022, was brought on by an 18-year-old full of racism, hatred, indifference toward life, and a disciple of white supremacy. His violent outbursts were known to others. His parents knew about his torture and killing of animals (his mother gave him a shoebox to bury the beheaded cat). The school administrators knew of his murder-suicide ideations. The behavioral health professionals conducted a flawed psychiatric evaluation and released him back to school - the same environment that exposed his murder-suicide plans and writings.Then he came to Buffalo, N.Y. to murder as many Black people as he could. He killed 10 human beings. Please hear the tough messages in this podcast and do something to improve your community. Thank you.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Welcome to MindSet 2022!This podcast, Gun Violence & Behavioral Health Plans, is a tough subject that requires much more attention than my MindSet 2022 broadcast can deliver. However, it is my hope, as with all my broadcasts, that it makes you step back, think, and move to action. We all know a great deal about gun violence because we live in its world, but do we really understand the depth of tragedy happening in our community every day? Maybe not. Listen and re-listen to this podcast. Ask these questions:1.) Do I have my gun locked up safely today?2.) Is anyone in my household at risk?3.) Does my school district have a solid behavioral health plan? My community?4.) What can I do to make my community safer specific to gun control and responsible parenting regarding guns?5.) If I leave my gun unlocked and a child of mine kills someone, am I accountable?Please share this podcast with family, fellow gun owners, neighbors, school officials, friends, and co-workers? Thank you! Be safe!Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Welcome!This MindSet 2022 podcast begins with a brief reading from City Journals' Business First of an article I wrote in 1999 titled, We Need To Take Care of Our Troubled Children. I wrote a regular column for the newspaper for about 10 years. The opening sentence to the article states, "In many respects, we are horrible role models for our children." You might find that offensive or intriguing language, but I'm confident every listener will have a reaction to the article and the podcast.A Reminder!Please be sure to listen to our four-part series on suicide. The response has been very encouraging. Remember, you'll learn how to save a life in ways you may not have known. Also, please share our podcasts with friends, family, colleagues, and healthcare professionals.Thank you,Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Welcome to MindSet 2022. I’m your host, Tom McNulty. Thank you for joining us for Part Four – the final episode of our four-part series on Suicide. As you know by now, I have focused on individuals between the age of 10-34 because suicide is their second leading cause of death. To emphasize the importance of this topic, I have repeatedly stated that, on average, 130 people commit suicide every day in the United States – a number that is hard to fathom.In this broadcast, I’m going to share critical information for you to process and think about especially if you know someone you believe might be vulnerable. The whole point of this series is to help you be better prepared and aware of common warning signs, unique circumstances, as well as how daily or episodic stressors or a spate of events can deflate a person’s innate survival instincts and turn a preventable tragedy into a caring and therapeutic life-saving redirection of one’s thoughts and actions. Think of this series as building a toolbox of skills you will remember and know how to use should you become aware of someone who needs help. This broadcast will focus on those between the ages of 18-34 and all that comes with entering adulthood. I will also address how to help someone begin to get professional assessments and care. Thank you for tuning in to this Series. Please share this with someone you know who could benefit from our critical information. You can speak to someone at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255. Thank you.Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Thank you for tuning in to Part Three of our Four-Part Series on Suicide. Each day, in the United States, an average of 130 people commit suicide - about 51% use a firearm. Part Three will highlight a true story about a 16-year-old girl and the critical information parents and other adults must know to save a life. Thoughts of suicide are serious and a vulnerable individual may not have the capacity to manage stressful and unexpected information when it is suddenly shared with them. This broadcast uses storytelling to draw attention to the importance of "knowing your audience" when painful information is revealed. Please pay extra attention to the suggestions made about owning firearms and other potentially life-threatening items in your home (pills, knives, scissors, rope, etc) when someone is living with you who may be struggling with behavioral health concerns (depression, anxiety, addiction, violent outbursts, untreated psychiatric illness, despair, and loss). Please share this podcast with someone you know who could benefit from this information. Thank you.Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

This is Part Two in a four-part series about suicide. I use a real-life experience from my early days as an intern finishing my graduate studies toward my Master's Degree from Florida State University.Storytelling is an excellent skill to use to highlight critical areas of importance when you are learning more about suicide. This is a powerful episode for parents of children and adolescents. Sadly, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10-34. I tell the story of a 15-year-old girl to emphasize a greater understanding of the warning signs of suicide and depression. In doing so, this story is meant for parents to help them recognize a troubled child and how to effectively respond and open dialogue.You can find immediate help and referrals by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Thank you for listening to MindSet 2022. Please share this with family, friends, co-workers, teachers, coaches, and anyone else you think could benefit from this information.Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Welcome to MindSet 2022! Please share our podcast with those you believe should know about behavioral health issues, including parents, teachers, co-workers, your doctor(s), law enforcement, media, and the religious communities.This session is Part One of a four-part series on the most serious issue in behavioral health - suicide. Tragically, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34. With all that has been done over many decades, suicide rates have increased 35% since 1999. About 78% of all people who die by suicide are male. We are losing too many young people. Think about all life has to offer those between 10-34 years of age, but they don't feel that way and they don't see or experience a hopeful future. In our world today, we must also grasp that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth. Transgender people are 12 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.If you are worried about suicide and not sure what to do, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Please listen to our podcast. I promise you will learn something new and critically important! Thank you!Tom McNulty, M.S.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Welcome!I'm Tom McNulty, host of MindSet 2022. This is our brief introduction. I hope you'll put us on your "Favorites", tell a friend, and tune in often! We welcome your ideas, feedback, and suggested guests for future shows.Behavioral health issues need much more attention, accurate information, and resources you can trust. I have 45+ years in mental health and addiction work. I was a therapist for many years before moving into behavioral health management and corporate consulting. I've done consulting for the largest neurology practice in the United States, DENT Neurologic Institute in New York. Additionally, I did health talk radio for 18 years (800+ shows), produced TV Specials, and co-wrote a full feature screenplay for a film called Episodes.Join us! Thank you very much!Tom McNultySend us Fan MailSupport the show