OnTopic with Empathia

Wellness is often treated as a destination we "arrive" at, but in reality, it is a practice built through small, consistent actions. In this episode, host Kelly Parbs continues her conversation with Robert Biggs to explore how sustainable wellness is achieved by bridging the gap between physical health and emotional resilience. Tune in to hear Robert's share his personal 'renaissance' story when he added just one hour of rest to his sleep schedule, along with his thoughts on the impact of nutrition, the gut-brain connection, emotional regulation, and actionable strategies for setting incremental, reasonable goals in sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Remember, self-care isn't selfish - it's essential.Find out more about Robert and his work at Wellworks at https://www.wellworksforyou.com. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

In a world where the word "wellness" is thrown around as a marketing tagline for everything from apps to spiritual retreats, it’s easy for the true meaning of health to get lost in the noise. Join host Kelly Parbs, a licensed clinical social worker, as she sits down with Robert Biggs, wellness expert and account manager at Wellworks, to strip away the jargon and uncover what it actually takes to build a sustainable, resilient life. Robert shares his "movement is life" philosophy—backed by his background in applied physiology—and explains why mental wellness is the "guiding factor" for every other aspect of our health in this deep dive into the often-overlooked connection between mental perception and physical health. Find out more about Robert and his work at Wellworks at https://www.wellworksforyou.com. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

In this follow-up to our heartwarming sit-down with Jess and Paige, we dive deeper into the logistical and emotional hurdles that define the surrogacy journey. While their story resulted in the birth of sweet baby Dawson, the path was paved with high-stakes medical prep, ethical dilemmas, and a literal blizzard. From spicy confrontations with hospital triage teams to a three-hour dash through a snowstorm, find out how the duo managed the chaos of a birth that happened exactly on the due date as we continue this candid conversation on resilience, the importance of asking for what you need, and the special people in our lives who can help to make miracles possible.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Life rarely follows the script we’ve written for ourselves. In this moving episode of OnTopic with Empathia, host Kelly Parbs sits down with Jess and Paige, two women whose lives became inextricably linked through an extraordinary surrogacy journey born out of resilience and faith. Following Jess' stage four triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, the odds of giving her daughter a sibling were astronomically small - until she met Paige, a local mother of four who had felt a calling towards surrogacy. In Part One of their conversation, discover how Jess and Paige met via social media, exploring their shared feelings before ultimately deciding to take a leap of faith in embracing surrogacy as a path to motherhood. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Forgiveness isn't just a choice - it's a daily exercise. That's how Dr. Buck Blodgett sees it anyway - the founder of the LOVE>hate project, Dr. Buck and his team have been working in prisons all over the country to offer inmates a new lease on life. In Part Two of their conversation, Buck reveals a few key stories from real inmates inside the program, and how just two simple steps in practicing true forgiveness can rewire the way we all treat one another. Find out more about The LOVE>hate Project at https://www.theloveisgreaterthanhateproject.com.Resource Links:  Listen to Dr. Blodgett's Previous Episodes of OnTopic with Empathia Eps. 24 + 25 - https://www.empathia.com/ontopic-podcast/Dr. Blodgett on DATELINE NBC - https://www.metacritic.com/tv/dateline-nbc/season-23/episode-21-obsession/Dr. Blodgett on AMERICAN MONSTER - https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/200050998/s01-e04-sing-for-the-cameraDr. Blodgett on CRIME WATCH DAILY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY5rZTdjlCw&list=PLKaW-zbqoo11M_TgaukDTKoPa7ejnsG_r&index=7Dr. Blodgett on MURDERED BY MORNING - https://www.oxygen.com/murdered-by-morning/crime-news/jessie-blodgett-murder-buck-blodgett-forgive-love-hate-advocacyDr. Blodgett on OUTLORE with Eleanor Neale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EX3-ffoXHg&t=31sWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Everybody deserves a second chance... right? It's easy to say mistakes happen when it comes to the little things, but some times events transpire that can often feel unforgivable. Just take it from Dr. Buck Blodgett - keen listeners may recall his last appearance on OnTopic when he and Kelly talked about the tragic events that led to him starting The LOVE>hate Project, an organization dedicated ending interpersonal violence and promoting forgiveness all over the country. Now, Dr. Blodgett's expanded his reach to the national prison system, where he and his team have begun to meet with inmates from all walks of life to begin working towards unraveling what often makes them so frustrated with the system today - and how he and his team are changing hearts and minds for the better. Find out more about The LOVE>hate Project at https://www.theloveisgreaterthanhateproject.com.Resource Links:  Listen to Dr. Blodgett's Previous Episodes of OnTopic with Empathia Eps. 24 + 25 - https://www.empathia.com/ontopic-podcast/Dr. Blodgett on DATELINE NBC - https://www.metacritic.com/tv/dateline-nbc/season-23/episode-21-obsession/Dr. Blodgett on AMERICAN MONSTER - https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/200050998/s01-e04-sing-for-the-cameraDr. Blodgett on CRIME WATCH DAILY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY5rZTdjlCw&list=PLKaW-zbqoo11M_TgaukDTKoPa7ejnsG_r&index=7Dr. Blodgett on MURDERED BY MORNING - https://www.oxygen.com/murdered-by-morning/crime-news/jessie-blodgett-murder-buck-blodgett-forgive-love-hate-advocacyDr. Blodgett on OUTLORE with Eleanor Neale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EX3-ffoXHg&t=31sWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

How do you take care of an aging parent? What about your own future? As we age our bodies tend to break down, unless we start to take the steps necessary to keep us going. In Part Two of their conversation on aging and elder care, Kelly and Carrie Crawley reveal a few key methods to ensuring you can take care of your loved ones in an affordable, accommodating manner regardless of their situation, and how you can start to implement some healthy habits that will help you down the line too. Resource Links: AARP Learning - https://learn.aarp.org/ADRC-Aging and Disability Resource Center - https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/aging-and-disability-resource-centersMedicare Care Compare - https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/WHAT IS DEMENTIA? - http://alzheimers.org.uk/Facts_about_dementia/What_is_dementia/TYPES OF DEMENTIA - https://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-education/THE ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION OF AMERICA - http://www.alzfdn.org/AboutUs/missionstatement.htmlNATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING -https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-and-thinking-whats-normal-and-whats-notWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Caring for aging loved ones is one of the most meaningful, and often one of the most challenging roles any of us will take on. It raises questions about health, independence, finances, and how to balance caregiving with the rest of life. And while every family's journey looks different, the need for support and good information is universal. Just take it from Carrie Crawley, an elder care and aging life specialist who's dedicated her work to helping families prepare for and manage the realities of aging. In Part One of their conversation, Carrie and Kelly dig into the real challenges of planning for, paying for, and implementing elder care in the lives of not only our loved ones - but in our own lives as well.  Resource Links: AARP Learning - https://learn.aarp.org/ADRC-Aging and Disability Resource Center - https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/aging-and-disability-resource-centersMedicare Care Compare - https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/WHAT IS DEMENTIA? - http://alzheimers.org.uk/Facts_about_dementia/What_is_dementia/TYPES OF DEMENTIA - https://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-education/THE ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION OF AMERICA - http://www.alzfdn.org/AboutUs/missionstatement.htmlNATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING -https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-and-thinking-whats-normal-and-whats-notWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Are you a born leader? Alan Mikolaj isn't sure anybody is. In fact, he's got the research to prove that NOBODY is born to be a leader, because leadership isn't a genetic trait - it's a learned skill that anybody can manage, if taught under the right conditions. Alan returns to the podcast to talk about what leadership researchers James Kouzes and Barry Posner discovered in their findings to help develop the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) 360 curriculum, and how you can leverage your own self-understanding to help better realize your own self-worth. Find out more about Alan Mikolaj at https://www.alanmikolaj.com/Get Your Copy of Alan's Free List of Values Worksheet at https://www.alanmikolaj.com/uploads/1/3/7/8/13789733/alans_values_worksheet.pdfWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Being a leader is harder than it looks. It's a demanding and isolating job, with immense pressure and a constant need to adapt. Just take it from Alan Mikolaj - he's a leadership and organizational development consultant, executive coach and the author of “Stress Management for the Emergency Care Provider” and “The Change: Insights into Self-Empowerment," who works with people in high impact roles, helping build awareness, lead with authenticity, and stay aligned with their sense of purpose. Alan joins Kelly on the podcast to talk about just that - purpose, and how identifying and closing in on the interests that drive you can create a more meaningful outlook for any one of us, leader or otherwise. Find out more about Alan Mikolaj at https://www.alanmikolaj.com/Get Your Copy of Alan's Free List of Values Worksheet at https://www.alanmikolaj.com/uploads/1/3/7/8/13789733/alans_values_worksheet.pdfWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Walk the talk! It's a simple phrase, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, does it apply to you or the leadership at your organization? This idea of aligning your actions with your words is one that executive Coach Ken Jenkins was introduced to early in his career, and it's a principle he's lived by ever since. Today, we continue our conversation with Ken, diving deeper into what it truly means to be a leader. We explore why it's so critical to build trust, drive performance, and create a culture where people want to follow not because they have to, but because they believe in the direction. If you're leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to be a more authentic and effective leader, this episode is for you.Find out more about Ken Jenkins at https://kenjenkinsllc.com/Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Think back on your career. Have you ever worked under a leader who struggled to communicate clearly? Maybe you found it difficult to follow their direction because the direction itself wasn't clear. Or perhaps you are the leader facing a major organizational change, feeling uncertain about how to guide your team through it. If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider working with an executive coach. Today we're talking with Ken Jenkins, an in-demand executive and leadership coach, who shares insights on how coaching can help leaders and cover their strengths and weaknesses, why coaching isn't an stand-in for therapy, and a few key ways all of us - executives or otherwise - can help to mitigate toxic stress in our busy lives. It's not always easy, but for those feeling stuck or looking to boost their effectiveness, coaching can be a game changer. Find out more about Ken Jenkins at https://kenjenkinsllc.com/Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Social Media companies have all but perfected the art of the infinite scroll. On average, every time you pick up your phone you'll end up spending upwards of 20 minutes, mindlessly sacrificing your time - and your sense of accomplishment - with just a single tap. Natural Empathic doctor Heather Dreske returns to the podcast to reveal a few key ways you can ground your senses, plant your feet, and stop the doomscrolling without losing the connections that reward us. Find out more about Heather Dreske and her practice at https://www.lettierome.netWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

A recent Harvard study found that 73% of Americans experience loneliness. What's got everybody down? Heather Dreske might just have the answer - she's a natural, empathic doctor with expertise in family medicine, psychology, and holistic wellness. Heather and Kelly dig into the number one source of loneliness, anxiety, and depression in America - technology, and more importantly, our phones and the social media that drives them - to uncover the five vulnerabilities every major tech company is leveraging to keep you on scrolling, along with a few key exercises that anybody can try right away at no cost to get away from the infinite scroll and start truly living again.Find out more about Heather Dreske and her practice at https://www.lettierome.netWhether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Grief isn't something you just 'get over', and it's not something you can expect people to move past. It's an emotion that deserves understanding - one that lies under nearly every aspect of our world today. For some it can be more affecting than others. Just take it from Natalie Sanchez - picking up where they left off last week, Natalie and Kelly dig into the support systems Natalie's built into her life since losing her father in 2018, from exercise and regular routine to a loving partner and supportive friend groups that surround her, along with a few key reading recommendations to help anybody break the cycle and grow to find joy in their journey. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Grief is an intense and complex emotional response to loss, but its impact extends far beyond mental and emotional distress. Just take it from Natalie Sanchez - the author of 'The Language Of Loss' and 'Becoming Human', Natalie developed a deep relationship with grief after losing her father in 2018. Kelly and Natalie dig into that relationship - and how Natalie managed to find joy in her journey - in Part One of their two-part conversation on understanding The Language of Loss. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Laughter isn't just a reaction - it's a resource; one that can go a long way, especially when life feels heavy. And the best part is, we can choose it. Just ask Kody Green - known online as the Schizophrenic Hippie, Kody's amassed over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram by sharing his story and advocating for just a little more lightheartedness when times are tough. Kody and Kelly pick up where their conversation left off in Episode 58 to talk about actionable ways to inject a little more laughter into your life, whether you're a patient, caregiver, or just trying to get by on your own. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

It's a phrase we've all heard before - "Laughter is the best medicine" - but how does one go about finding the humor when tragedy strikes? Kody Green might have the answer - having been diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia at 21, Kody's built a platform on apps like TikTok and YouTube by sharing his experiences through a comedy lens. He's also the author of "Minds Over Meetings: A Personal Perspective on Wellness in the Workplace," along with a co-host on 'A Bipolar, A Schizophrenic, and a Podcast' where he aims to educate and bring hope to others affected by schizophrenia and related challenges. In Part One of his two-part conversation with Kelly Parbs, Kody digs into the challenges of living and working in stand-up comedy with schizophrenia (along with the triumphs that come with being yourself) and learning to laugh when times are truly challenging.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Getting a college degree has always been difficult, but in the age of COVID, smart-phones, and bubble-wrap parenting, some might say it's harder now than ever before. Just take it from Meghan Becker - she's the Director of Student Care and Well-Being at Baylor University, where she heads up the Care Team, Baylor's unique departmental solution to providing mental health resources to over 20,000 college students across it's in-person and virtual campuses. In Part 2 of their conversation, Rick and Meghan pick up from where they left off in Episode 56 to get to the bottom of just what exactly causes so much anxiety and depression in undergrad and graduate students nowadays, and how Baylor is leading the charge in handling student stress for better outcomes. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

It can't be easy to go to school nowadays. Just take it from Meghan Becker - she's the Director of Student Care and Well-Being at Baylor University where she heads up the Care Team, Baylor's unique departmental solution to providing mental health resources to over 20,000 college students across it's in-person and virtual campuses. To hear Meghan tell it, Baylor's students struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness, excessive substance abuse, and more - and that's all before you start to introduce America's current political climate and the national outbreak of violence in schools across the country. In Part 1 of their conversation, Rick sits down with Meghan to get to the bottom of how Baylor's Care Team originated in the wake of Virginia Tech's 2007 on-campus shooting tragedy, and how their small team is working around the clock to serve student needs in an ever-changing online environment. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

The path to recovery isn't always obvious and straightforward, and finding the right resources for your situation can be difficult when you're already at your lowest. Returning is our guest, Tom Farley, who works with Recovery.com, a website dedicated to finding treatment and guiding those in need - be it Mental Health issues, Addiction, or struggling loved ones. Tom uses his own experience recovering from addiction to help others seek the help they need and encourage their path to a healthier life.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Losing a loved one to addiction is tragic and often leaves a family in shambles. Some develop or lean on poor coping mechanisms, others self reflect and attempt to improve themselves. Just take it from Tom Farley - brother of famous Saturday Night Live alum Chris Farley, Tom knows all too well about the pains of an unexpected loss. Join us as we talk through Tom's journey of processing the grief of losing his brother and how he applies what he learned to helping others with their own mental health challenges.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Addressing a crisis as a company is a complicated and challenging task - that's why Chris McCloud is back with us to share the importance of preparing for such an event. Chris draws on his experience in public relations to share vital tips on how to keep consistent messaging and avoid common pitfalls when managing bad news.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Everybody has to present themselves appropriately in order to succeed, but in the modern age it's increasingly difficult to. Pendulum PR Co-Founder Chris McCloud is here to tell us how everyone can benefit from good Public Relations strategies and the importance of having a brand.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Serving the public can often take a toll on police officers and other first responders' mental stability. Thankfully there are many programs and resources available to help with the burden, that is, if they choose to participate. Many don't feel comfortable doing so and Police Captain Adam Meyers is here to explain why. Join us as we continue our conversation about stopping the stigma and encouraging public servants to reach out when they are in need.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

First responders are at a much higher risk of experiencing trauma, but sadly are less likely to reach out for mental health support. Adam Meyers experienced this firsthand and is determined to make a change with Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma, a platform to promote Law Enforcement and Public Safety Professionals' mental wellness, encouraging them to talk about their mental health and not suffer in silence.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Going home for the holidays isn't the same for everyone, and some of us, whether by choice or by circumstance, are spending the holidays alone. But don't fret! Whatever holiday experience is awaiting you, Christina Eggebeen has some advice for you. The holiday season is filled with a lot of emotions, both good and bad, and being prepared and knowing how to process them will help you avoid the holiday blues.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Though flying through the air at high speeds sounds dangerous, thanks to years of improvements and technological advances, airplanes are one of the safest ways to travel. Learn more about why as we continue our conversation with Philip Chard, psychotherapist and author who himself suffered from flying anxiety. Phil is here to share what he's learned from his career and personal therapy experience including techniques you can add to your toolbox for your next flight.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Flying on an airplane often gives people anxiety, but for some, it induces panic and prevents them from traveling abroad, or even visiting family. To help address this, Philip Chard joins us again to lend his expertise, as well as personal experience with aviophobia, or the fear of flying. Phil shares with us common causes of flying anxiety, how to identify them in ourselves, and some techniques that can help mitigate the symptoms.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Since the events of the Boston Marathon Bombing in April of 2013, Manya Chylinski's been helping guide others past the stigma of victimhood by raising the awareness of the mental and emotional effects of violence and tragedy. In her follow-up conversation with Rick from last week's Part One, Manya digs into where she's been since, and reveals the immense value of compassion and inclusiveness. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

It's been over a decade since the Boston Marathon bombing, but many are still suffering from the trauma they endured. Today we talk to keynote speaker, advisor, and advocate Manya Chylinski about her experience witnessing the attack and how that has changed her. Since the event, Manya has learned valuable skills to take control of your mental health and is here to share them with you.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Election season can be stressful on even the most experienced of voters. Tensions are high and political disagreements can drive a wedge in our personal relationships. Dayna Smith-Slade is here with us to share her strategies on how to ease election anxiety and have healthier communication with family and friends who share different views.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

A healthy body is the ideal home for a healthy mind. Often times the activities we do to maintain physical health releases endorphins that will promote good mental health. Our guest today is Fitness and Wellness expert Linda Spaulding. She's here to share what she's learned from her career and show us how beneficial movement can be for your mental wellbeing. It doesn't matter if you're dancing, walking, swimming, or skating, what's important is that you keep moving!Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Checking credit scores, looking for discounts, and budgeting can be a lot to process, but you're not alone. Shellye Carpenter returns to share more of her personal finance tips to help build toward your goals. Try different techniques and find what works best for you, but whatever you choose, stay consistent!Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Mental health, and even physical health issues can often start as a financial problem. This week we tackle the issue at its source and learn to be preventative and more communicative about our finances. Listen as personal finance expert Shellye Carpenter shares her tips and methods to staying financially healthy, so that we have a good foundation to keep our mental and physical wellbeing stable. Knowing where to look is half the battle, and Shellye knows a lot about where to find what's draining your funds when your finances aren't quite where you'd like them to be.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Hospice can be scary for many families, but it's also a time for deep connections and emotional healing. In this episode, Rory Bolton continues sharing his experiences as an end of life music therapist and shows us what a powerful emotional force music can be. Every patient is unique in their journey, and it takes a lot of sensitivity and creativity to create the proper atmosphere for each situation. Sometimes that means music of varying tempo, music from different cultures or languages, or sometimes no music at all. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

End of life care is a truly difficult and emotional experience that often leaves us feeling disconnected from our loved ones. Our guest, Rory Bolton, uses music to bridge that connection and encourage emotions to flow during a time when it's needed most. In this episode of OnTopic with Empathia, Rory shares his beautiful singing voice and wisdom he's learned from working as a music therapist in hospice care.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Deborah Needham returns to continue emphasizing the importance of empathy in healthy communication. This time we dive deeper into the tools you can use to help others through traumatic experiences, as well as regulate ourselves. We learn more about why we react to others the way we do and how we can use that information to better understand and communicate with others. Deb shares improved techniques to handle emotionally charged situations and be a better, more personal advocate for those who need us.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Knowing how to use and control empathy is a powerful tool in both your professional and personal life. Empathy holds our relationships together and helps us better understand others, as well as ourselves. Founder of Crisis Optimist Coaching and Consulting, Deborah Needham, expands on all the ways empathy can help others and the importance on controlling your empathy in order to properly assist those in need. Through her experience as an EMT paramedic and an Emergency Manager, Deborah shares her secrets to empathy and how it can change everything for the better.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Leadership can often be an isolating position - as the sole decision maker, you don't often have all the variables in front of you to make the best decision for you and your team. Kelly sits down with Erin Peterson for Part Two of their conversation about finding self-confidence in leadership by diving into methods for generating more confident decision-makers and the six key takeaways every leader should lean into when it comes to self care.  Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Being a confident leader is a difficult task. It's not always clear which direction is the right way to go, and many leaders tend to struggle with balancing the expectations of success against the passion of their employees. Professional Leadership Coach Erin Petersen joins the podcast to talk about the value of self-confidence in leadership, and how learning to communicate more effectively with employees at every level can not only help to achieve goals across any organization, but can help to grow better leaders as well. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Service Dogs are highly-trained canines that are taught to performs specific tasks for individuals or groups of poeple with various types of disabilities. Few know them better than Jeff Anderson - as the founder and CEO of Rebuilding Warriors, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides service dogs to veterans all across the country, Jeff has been handpicking, evaluating, and training service dogs for over 12 years. That's why he's joining Kelly to talk all about service dogs, from the best breeds and criteria for each canine to the comprehensive pairing process that goes into setting up the right dog with the right candidate, whether their disabilites are physical, mental, or even emotional. To learn more about Jeff and support the mission of Rebuilding Warriors, visit www.rebuildingwarriors.com.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

It takes more than good intentions to overcome an addiction - just ask Dr. Ted Carroll. Today, he's a practicing licensed mental health counselor and a national certified counselor with a Ph.D in Counselor Educationa and Supervision, but he's also a recovering addict - an ongoing journey that he says he'll be on for the rest of his days. But believe it or not, it's not all downsides. In Part Two of his conversation with Rick, Dr. Carroll brings us to present day in his story, filling in the gaps between recovery and practicing medicine, and revealing why he's ultimately more thankful than sorry for his experiences with substance abuse. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Imagine your brain being hijacked. Your actions, thoughts, and cravings are out of control. You crave something so badly that you'll do whatever you can to quench it, but you can never have enough willpower to overcome this urge. You may be an addict. It takes more than good intentions to overcome an addiction - just ask Dr. Ted Carroll. Nowadays, he's a hypnotherapist, licensed mental health counselor, and a national certified counselor with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, but it wasn't all that long ago that things looked very different for Dr. Carroll. In Part One of his conversation with Rick, Dr. Carroll digs into his past, and how addiction continued to push him down darker roads. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

If you or a loved one are struggling, help is available. Speak with someone today by dialing 988 in the United States or by contacting your respective Suicide Crisis Hotline.UPLIFT is a yearly work-out day that strives to raise up the CrossFit community so that those who have lost, those who have survived, and those who want to support one another can have an outlet to come together. In Part Two of their conversation with Rick Hoaglund, Mark and Sarah Moss dig into the reasons they founded UPLIFT, why UPLIFT isn't just for CrossFit athletes, and how something as simple as getting out and moving can help in growing outreach and spreading Suicide Awareness in ways that nobody can imagine. To keep up with the Moss family and find out more about their UPLIFT program, visit https://www.uplift-wod.com/ and follow https://www.instagram.com/moss_fit_/ and https://www.instagram.com/upliftwod/.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

If you or a loved one are struggling, help is available. Speak with someone today by dialing 988 in the United States or by contacting your respective Suicide Crisis Hotline.Suicide is a challenging topic. Each year, millions are affected by it around the globe, but the stigma around it proves challenging. In Part One of a two-part conversation, Mark and Sarah Moss sit down with Rick Hoaglund to talk about their personal experiences around suicide in the past, and how they’ve moved forward towards uplifting others with community outreach programs that impact real change in their communities.To keep up with the Moss family and find out more about their UPLIFT program, visit https://www.uplift-wod.com/ and follow https://www.instagram.com/moss_fit_/ and https://www.instagram.com/upliftwod/.Whether it’s delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com.Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Keeping your mental health in check can be difficult in any profession, but it's particularly challenging in the emergency services and first responder communities. Often it's not the trauma that may be experienced on the clock, but rather the lingering effects of those traumas that can truly damage the toughest employees in any organization. Following up from last week's discussion on First Responder Mental Health, Dr. I. David Daniels returns to talk about tried-and-true solutions for changing your environment, educating others, and leveraging role responsibilities to better navigate psychosocial hazards and keep people safe in our most hazardous professions. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

First Responders can suffer a variety of on-the-job hazards, but some of the most dangerous effects may not be visible to the naked eye. Dr. I. David Daniels is a life member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and served over 30 years in Fire Rescue Emergency medical and emergency management organizations in three states. He also served two terms as a member of the National Safety Council Board of Directors and was the founding chair of the National Safety Council's Government and Public Sector Division, where he received the organization's highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Safety Award. Today, he's joining Rick Hoaglund to talk about the value of mental health services for First Responders around the globe, so that ones who are first on the scene are also the most well-equipped to handle what comes after. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Millions of Americans suffer the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder every year, but what can be done? LMFT Therapist Therese Sorrentino returns to OnTopic to talk about home remedies, self-diagnosis, and the therapies she's used in her own practice to encourage healthier habits and more wholesome mindsets during the coldest season of the year.Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc

Have you ever found yourself feeling down in the winter? The days are shorter, the temperatures lower, and without some sunshine, things may start to look a little bleak. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. as it's more commonly known is a real condition, and millions of Americans are affected by it every single year. Rick invites LMFT Therapist Therese Sorrentino onto the show to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder - where it comes from, why it happens, and most importantly, how we can start to see it in ourselves and curb the effects before the cold gets in. Whether it's delivering a high-value employee assistance program, student support, or responding to a crisis in your organization or community, OnTopic with Empathia brings competence, compassion, and commitment to those who need it most. Find out more at https://www.empathia.com. Find More Resources from Empathia at:Website: https://www.empathia.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/empathiaincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EmpathiaVlogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empathia-inc