Big Swells Podcast

We close season 3 with a powerful story of healing from Addiction/Substance Use Disorder . Kristen Johnson had a charmed life and childhood with a stable and loving family. Youthful tendencies and curiosities tempted her to experiment with drugs and alcohol that led her down a road of self-destruction. She spent 5 years in prison from DUI and gun related charges where she eventually cleaned up, healed and now works as Prison Reentry Coordinator in Graham County Arizona. Her story of addiction, recovery, and now thriving and helping others . Her newsletter The Light is now reaching and helping prisoners around the county. Let's end the year with hope, goals, and some inspiration. There's nothing like lived experience to help others. Thank you for sharing your time with us.

Dr. Sherman Gillums is a self-described Marine Mustang , father , and public policy expert. He shares his Marine journey, becoming paralyzed after a roll-over accident, becoming a father of 6 , and working several high level policy jobs in the Federal Government. He's served as Past President of The Paralyzed Veterans of America, FEMA to improve disaster preparedness for people with disabilities, National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) to advance the 988 suicide hotline number and restructure response to emergencies such as COVID 19, VA Advisory Committees. He's currently serving as the Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to advocate and provide support to anybody who is paralyzed from accidents, disease, strokes. He's also an Adjunct Professor at The University of Maryland while raising his youngest son, and enjoying life as a grandfather. Thank you for stoping by to listen and we hope you leave uplifted and inspired.

Beth Foraker joins us to discuss the groundbreaking UC Davis SEED Scholars Program for students with intellectual disabilities. This program is the first four year live on college experience in California for this demographic and flips the employment statistic for this group upside down. Less than 20% of this demographic ever live independently or gain paid employment, but after this program 80% of the students have paid employment and live independently. The goal is to improve life outcomes via the college immersion experience that includes core/foundational classes and elective classes. Students will choose and get to experience paid and unpaid internships in their areas of interest that often lead to paid employment . Did you know that Federal Law sill allows people with intellectual disabilities to be paid less than minimum wage ? It's outrageous. Thank you for stopping by to learn about this life-changing program.

Please join us for a very moving discussion with Dr. Rob discussing all things sex addiction , recovery and healing. Dr. Rob Weiss shares 30 years of experience helping those around the globe struggling with trauma induced sexual , behavioral issues. Learn about "Process" addictions, the need to "disappear" and escape, how trauma from being used by a parent leads to sexual problems. He explains how betrayal trauma affects women much differently than most men, the role of testosterone /hormonal influences on behavior, why the goal is "healthy" sex rather than differences in sexual preferences, how addicts "blame" others, triggers, trust and so much more. Come listen to this very judgment free discussion and learn about Dr. Robs many approaches, programs and resources to start your healing journey.

Hawaii based, Harvard trained Nutritionist Dr. Terry Shintani is here today to educate us about how a plant based diet can reverse Type 2 Diabetes naturally. You don't have to live on insulin and take shots forever. After just a few weeks/months on a plant based diet, many have been able to ditch most of the prescription drugs they were slaves to with all their side effects. Dr. Shintani has been helping patients get healthy for over 50 years by teaching them about the different types of carbohydrates and how they affect blood sugar. He discusses: Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes , Insulin resistance and how insulin is causing your body to make fat, weight loss drugs, turning disease around with a high carbohydrate diet similar to Japan and the Mediterranean populations, strengthening your bodies natural immune system, the importance of Vitamin D and much more. Thank you for joining us.

Detective Eric Threlkeld joins us to discuss all things related to Domestic Violence. Detective Threlkeld brings up many important topics: Early education to recognize the signs of Coercive Control, Patterns in long term abuse,risks of lethality, "Red Flags", Murders that are actually staged suicides, developing a community based response and multidisciplinary approach to Domestic Violence, The Power and Control Wheel, Office of Violence Against Women, how Restraining Orders are a very important legal tool, layered safety planning, types of Domestic Violence, and how firearms changes your risks- Thank you for joining us for this very important discussion. If you learned something or found this of value, please subscribe to our channel on Youtube and here for more great content. Janice Morrow

Elisabeth Coursen joins us to discuss all things related to the universal phenomenon of "Mom Guilt" We discuss Post-Partum Anxiety, wanting to be the perfect mom, every day feeling like Groundhogs day, breast-feeding challenges, sleep disturbances, creating balance, asking for help, accepting help, and so much more. Elisabeth founded the "Real Moms Club" and digital course to help other new moms feel a sense of community to seek help from and not feel so alone. Every mom out there has felt mom- guilt and struggled to maintain work/life balance, create friendships, maintain family relationships, keep the marriage strong, make time for health and exercise , and not "Lose Yourself". Thank you for stopping by and if you learned something or found this helpful, please subscribe to help us grow our channel and turn this into a world wide community .Thank you-Janice

Dr. Reza Ghomi of Frontier Psychiatry is here to help us understand this very scary disease called Alzheimers. We discuss different kinds of dementia, the goal of early diagnosis, prevention, treatment, the stress of caregiving, resources, different cultural approaches to caregiving , and more. Dr. Ghomi has over 25 years of research and treating those with memory loss so he comes with a vast amount of knowledge. He emphasizes how early diagnoses and readiness to use resources such as the Alzheimer's Association , Medicare , and other social supports can radically improve your loved ones quality of life. Thank you for stopping by to listen to this discussion and we hope you subscribe and come back for more. Janice and Rick

We are thrilled to have Ghana trained medical Dr. Gideon Owusu here to discuss maternal mental health , some of the reasons the US has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, solutions, and more. He brings another world perspective and discusses some of the supportive strategies communities take to help new mothers in Ghana. We discuss the importance of pre-natal assessments, supporting women AFTER birth, how to develop better listening skills to consider the importance of recognizing cultural difference to enhance doctor-patient interactions. Hope you enjoy and subscribe to American Mood Swings Podcast. Thank you from Rick and Janice for sharing your time with us.

World renown anger management leader joins us to share tools and strategies he's used for the last 50 year to train folks around the globe. The California Supreme Court sent anybody sentenced to anger management for over 30 years to those trained by Anderson &Anderson. He talks about self awareness, empathy, impulse control and more behavior modification tools. He'll share why Emotional Intelligence is a much better indicator of future success in life than IQ. Whether you're a burned out doctor struggling with your bedside manner, stressed out attorney, a married couple who wants a stronger union, or someone hoping to get along with others at work, Georges tools are of you.

Dr. Zabina Bhasin is a nationally respected child psychiatrist who joins us to discuss the importance of embracing multi-cultural learning, age appropriate discussions for social media, sexual conversations, making time every day to listening to kids , and so much more-

Kelce Jager of Rise With Grief is here to share her story of wedded bliss, creating a family with four sons, and losing her beloved husband to Leukemia. Kelce discussed her new book- A MILLION MIRACLES AND THE ONE THAT NEVER CAME and walks us through finding out her husband was sick to all the ups and downs of dealing with a terminal illness and impending single motherhood, life as a widow, picking up the pieces and starting over.

Dr. Alex Kopelowicz from the UCLA Olive View Medical Center joins us for an intriguing look at what Psychosis present like. We discuss positive /negative/and disorganized symptoms of Schizophrenia, genetics, treatment options, 51-50( 72 Hour Involuntary Holds), why the need for more long term beds, CARES COURT, Conservatorships, Mental Health Services Act (The millionaires tax) and so much more. If you have a loved one struggling with psychoses, don't miss this episode.

Lorenzo P. Lewis joins us to share his journey from being born in prison to becoming a global mental health advocate. Lorenzo founded The Confess Project which fosters and trains barbers across the United States to recognize mental health crises and foster support in the black community. Lorenzo's journey from prison baby , struggling adolescent, to mentor, non-profit founder, husband, father, and now venture fund owner is uplifting and inspiring. His take-home message is that we are our stories and storytelling is the connector.

Abbe Feder from In Circle Fertility is here to discuss her fertility journey and shared struggles with thousands of women around the globe desperately trying to start a family and have more children. Abbe shares the process of IVF, failed IVF, Successful IVF, financing , third party reproduction, embryo transfers , adoption challenges such as varying interstate adoption laws, marital stress from the pressure, how we can show up for people, and so much more. Share this episode with someone you love struggling to grow their family. Thanks for joining us! Janice and Rick

Dr. Skip Rizz0 from the USC Center For Creative Technology joins us to discuss how Virtual Reality can help Veterans struggling with PTSD, pain management , displaced refugees, sexual assault victims, those struggling with ADHD , Autism and more . You'll learn about how the "Battle Buddy" app can help soldiers around the globe struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts bringing them life saving resources.

Dr. Farha Abbasi from Michigan State Psychiatry joins us to discus the Origins of Islam, The 5 Pillars of Islam, Shariah Law, Pilgrimage to Hajj, the Quran, the history of Muslims in America, Islamophobia, and more. Fascinating discussion to help heal the religious division in the world.

Dr. Xavier Amador joins us to discuss the LEAP approach /training to help us better communicate with our loved ones struggling with mental illness. You'll learn why "Reality Testing" and logic backfire and worsen communication , how to deal with "Chemical Chaos", the really good prognosis if someone takes medicine, implements Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and more.

Grab a tissue and join us for a frank discussion on domestic violence, losing one of your children to murder, turning pain into purpose, releasing anger and forgiveness. April Barbosa discusses her journey from losing her beautiful daughter to founding a non-profit to protect others from domestic violence.

Join us for a discussion about rage, anger management, the 5 Errors of Communication, Leading with humility, the "Maybe" tool for anger management, moving from the emotional/reactive brain to the higher thinking brain, the "Real World" vs. "The Cartoon World" of should, YIELD Theory and so much more!

Nicki Reisberg is on a mission to protect your kids from dangers on social media. Her podcast Scrolling 2 Death shares hot topics and dangerous content to help parents understand the content on various social media platforms. We'll discuss SEXTORTION, Drug Trafficking, Suicide, and much more.

This weeks guest is Jeremiah Gardner - Director Communications & Public Affairs at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. We discuss his recovery journey from Substance Use Disorder/Isolation/Community/ Crises of the spirit/Recovery Capital, the mission of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the many programs one can participate in. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is the largest and most respected Recovery/Treatment program in the United States.

Shatterproof Non-profit was started by Gary Mendell after the passing of his son Brian who struggled with Substance Use Disorder. Gary's mission with Shatterproof is to transform the treatment system. Shatterproof's tireless efforts have changed policy including: Developing the first national standard for treatment of care based on science based treatments and research that work, a new requirement that all doctors have at least 8 hours minimum in addiction care training, and a website ATLAS that helps those who are searching for treatment navigate the many options via a 10 question survey that helps them choose the best plan for their individual needs.

Please join us for this timely discussion with former police officer Joe Smarro of Solution Point Plus. Joe is a former police officer from San Antonio , Texas who worked in the Crises Intervention Unit for 11 years without ever having to use force. He brings this experience and skill set to his consulting company Solution Point Plus that helps train people in all fields to better understand those having a mental health emergency, de-escalation techniques , and much more.

Dr. Bonds is the Chief Medical Officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Learn about the various departments and programs Dr. Bonds oversees. Los Angeles has become one of the homeless capitals of the world, but there are many amazing programs to help its residents struggling with mental health issues.

Come join us as we discuss the origin of American Mood Swings and why it's time for a national discussion about mental health.

This month is all about raising awareness for men's mental health. It's the one year anniversary of Stephen Boss(aka Twitch) passing so let's have a conversation about men opening up to vulnerability and pain. Pain seems to be magnified during the holidays as we see a spike in suicides during these times. Maybe we help to prevent some. Sean Perry from We R Hope is back to discuss all things related to mens mental health.

The Hyer Calling Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established by labor and employment attorney Kevin Hyer and his family, for the purpose of helping to reduce the stigma of the disease of addiction in the workplace and give men and women in recovery a second chance at a career. We are thrilled to hear Kevin's story of becoming a successful labor/entertainment attorney who quickly became addicted to meth to nearly dying of an overdose , and his transition to advocacy for those with substance use disorder and breaking the stigma of addiction.

We R Hope is an east coast based non-profit that provides life skills coaching and emotional CPR training to teenagers throughout the country. Schools bring in this intensive, Multi-tiered levels of support program at no cost to the families and students. We R Hope was recognized by CNN's Champions of Change- Founded by Sean Perry and James Reinstein

Should the mentally ill be forced in treatment? The executive director of Disabilty Rights California, Andy Imparato, will discuss reservations to the recently passed and implemented CARES court in California.

Social worker and trauma specialist Shari Botwin is here to discuss tools to thrive after trauma. We'll discuss high profile sexual assault cases , domestic abuse, mass shootings and more.

Dr. Duckworth and others share their personal stories and discuss all the various programs NAMI has to offer - free of charge! NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health non-profit in the United States. Read You are not alone!

There's never been a more timely show for a post -Covid world, Fentanyl and suicide epidemics. Let's explore some of the causes for the worlds mental health epidemic and some powerful resources to help.