Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

The Gift That Saved His Life | Chason Forehand | #20 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

What does it take to rebuild a life after losing everything? In this episode, Chason Forehand shares how he survived years of abuse, addiction, homelessness, and incarceration — and how one life-changing gift, culinary training, set him on a path to founding the Transformation Kitchen. It's an honest conversation about addiction recovery, life after incarceration, paying it forward, and breaking the cycles of poverty that trap so many — and how Chason's programs now offer lifelong healing, skills, and hope across the U.S. and Nicaragua. In this episode: ·       Chason shares his personal story of trauma, addiction, and resilience ·       The impact of a life-changing gift—culinary training—that shifted his trajectory ·       How the Transformation Kitchen helps individuals break cycles of poverty, addiction, and incarceration ·       The significance of paying it forward and creating community-driven solutions ·       The role of legislation like the Psychological Safety Act in fostering healthier workplaces ·       Unique insights into building sustainable international programs in Nicaragua and the U.S. ·       Practical approaches to mental health, wellness, and leadership development for underserved populations   Connect with Chason Forehand: ·       HR4U Website: https://hr-4u.org/ [https://hr-4u.org/] ·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chason-forehand-rcf1222/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chason-forehand-rcf1222/]   Connect with Mike Orlowski ·       Website [http://www.mojomotivates.com] ·       LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeorlowski/] ·       Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MOJOMotivates] ·       Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mike_orlowski/]   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Changing lives with conversation and impact 00:48 - Chason's background: Overcoming childhood trauma and systemic barriers 03:13 - The early years: Family dynamic, abuse, and survival 06:11 - Turning to drugs and homelessness during college years 09:40 - Incarceration and the pivotal moment with a mentor in culinary arts 14:31 - The power of paying it forward: Support from a sober mentor 16:18 - The importance of faith, community, and the 12-step path 18:54 - Building Transformation Kitchen: A model for long-term hope 21:44 - International work: Nicaragua's transformational impact 25:34 - Launching the program in Beacon, NY: Timeline and goals 26:31 - Beyond culinary skills: Life skills, wellness, and leadership 32:50 - Breaking the cycle: How poverty, addiction, and incarceration intertwine 38:30 - Advocating for the Psychological Safety Act and creating fair workplaces 44:12 - Words of encouragement: Hope for those struggling 45:58 - The essence of being a beacon of hope 46:34 - The limitless potential of transformation when given support 47:15 - Connecting with Chason and supporting Transformation Kitchen   Join the movement: Your kindness can ignite hope and transform communities.

I Found My Best Friend After Suicide | Bernie DeSantis III | #19 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

In this heartfelt episode, Bernie DeSantis III shares his personal story of losing his best friend to suicide and how that tragic loss moved him to teach others the warning signs, how to ask the hard question, and how to help someone who's suicidal. Bernie turned grief into action — building virtual events, community, and education around suicide prevention — and offers real guidance for anyone supporting a loved one in crisis or healing as a suicide loss survivor.   Connect with Bernie: ·       Insignia Training: https://insigniatraining.com/ [https://insigniatraining.com/] ·       Let’s Talk About Suicide Event 8/19/2026:  https://info.insigniatraining.com/aug-lets-talk-about-suicide-registration [https://info.insigniatraining.com/aug-lets-talk-about-suicide-registration] ·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badiii/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/badiii/]   Connect with Mike Orlowski ·       Website [http://www.mojomotivates.com] ·       LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeorlowski/] ·       Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MOJOMotivates] ·       Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mike_orlowski/] ·       TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mojoworldwide] ·       X [https://x.com/MichaelOrlowski]   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & crisis hotline importance 00:45 - Bernie shares his story of finding his friend 02:14 - The emotional and life-changing impact of the loss 04:36 - Recognizing early warning signs of suicide 06:51 - The moment Bernie found his friend 08:40 - Overcoming grief through education and community support 10:10 - How "Let's Talk About Suicide" events raise awareness 11:45 - The long journey of grief and healing 13:13 - Key warning signs and phrases to watch for 15:04 - Common misconceptions and red flags 16:00 - The structure and purpose of virtual suicide awareness events 17:02 - How engaging virtual events help break stigma 18:16 - Supporting self-regulation and mental wellness practices 19:24 - The importance of direct language in conversations 21:41 - Personal insights on speaking openly about suicidal thoughts 22:46 - Risk factors and demographic insights 26:36 - Practical questions to inspire hope in someone considering suicide 28:45 - The role of community and professional help 29:34 - The scope of Bernie's work with virtual events for various clients 32:10 - What is a death doula and end-of-life conversations 36:09 - How to support someone affected by suicide loss 37:38 - The transformative power of talking about suicide 38:17 - The importance of awareness, education, and community 39:43 - Accessibility of virtual mental health events 41:09 - Final thoughts and encouragement to take action Remember: Geographic location does not limit access to mental health support. Your life matters. Reach out, and don't be afraid to ask the hard questions. Call or text 988 for help. 911 for Emergencies.

Gentle Parenting Is Making Anxiety Worse | Dr. Andrea Mata | #18 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

Why the most mental-health-aware generation in history is also the most anxious? In this episode Mike Orlowski & Dr. Andrea Mata explore how gentle parenting and overprotection can backfire, how social media fuels comparison, and why strong relationships may be the single biggest predictor of a long, healthy life. Real, actionable insights for parents, employers, and young adults navigating today's mental health challenges. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: the Gen Z mental health crisis 01:16 - Why Gen Z expects mental health support at work 02:45 - How parenting styles drive youth anxiety 03:15 - Mental health misinformation from social media influencers 04:45 - Life skills: financial literacy and independence 06:04 - Overparenting and its effects on self-reliance 07:13 - Why more young adults live in their parents' basements 08:31 - The cost of not teaching coping skills early 09:37 - Teaching financial literacy through experience 10:47 - Allowance and budgeting: kids and responsibility 12:12 - Building independence in college students 13:18 - Undoing gentle parenting and setting boundaries 14:12 - Discipline, consequences, and why boundaries matter 16:49 - Workplace mental health and business outcomes 22:37 - The loneliness epidemic and its health dangers 29:40 - Social media, comparison anxiety, and body image 37:39 - The health risks of loneliness and disconnection 41:16 - Relationships as the key to health and longevity 49:55 - Strategies for young people facing comparison anxiety 52:14 - Course-correcting overparenting toward independence 52:48 - Talking openly about mental health and expressive journaling 55:01 - Resources and closing words for parents, employers, and individuals   Connect with Mike Orlowski ·       http://www.mojomotivates.com [http://www.mojomotivates.com] ·       https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeorlowski/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeorlowski/] ·       https://www.facebook.com/MOJOMotivates [https://www.facebook.com/MOJOMotivates] ·       https://www.instagram.com/mike_orlowski/ [https://www.instagram.com/mike_orlowski/] Connect with Dr. Andrea Mata: ·       https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdremata/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdremata/] ·       https://www.instagram.com/drdremata/ [https://www.instagram.com/drdremata/] ·       https://www.youtube.com/@drdremata [https://www.youtube.com/@drdremata] ·       https://www.tiktok.com/@drdremata [https://www.tiktok.com/@drdremata] ·       https://andreadmata.com/ [https://andreadmata.com/] ·       https://brightspotfamilies.com/ [https://brightspotfamilies.com/] ·       https://amzn.to/4giZFWU [https://amzn.to/4giZFWU]

Invisible Illness, Real Strength | Jackie Lauricella-Perry | #17 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

In this episode, Mike Orlowski hosts Jackie Lauricella Perry to explore the realities of living with anxiety from childhood, supporting loved ones through health crises, and cultivating radical acceptance. Their candid discussion offers practical insights for navigating invisible illnesses, fostering safe relationships, and transforming mental health challenges into opportunities for growth. Connect with Mike Orlowski • Website • LinkedIn • Facebook • Instagram • TikTok • X Connect with Jackie Lauricella-Perry • Jackie Lauricella Perry's Website • Instagram - Jackie Lauricella Images • LinkedIn Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing mental health conversations that change lives 00:44 - Guest introduction: Jackie Lauricella Perry's journey 01:11 - Supporting loved ones through brain tumors and health crises 02:12 - Childhood anxiety: signs and early fears 02:38 - Panic attacks in childhood and strange fears 03:03 - Anxiety in young children and internalized fears 03:29 - Athletic training and panic before physical activities 04:25 - Self-internalized pressure and childhood stress 05:01 - Physical responses: numbness, breathing difficulty, night terrors 05:49 - Impact of gut health on anxiety and mental wellness 06:16 - How diet sensitivities affect mental health and body reactions 09:12 - Managing disordered eating and shifting perceptions 10:20 - Personal struggles with binge eating and bulimia 12:34 - Overcoming disordered eating with therapy and support 14:01 - The influence of a friend's sudden passing on anxiety and health fears 17:10 - Therapy, medication, and gut health considerations 18:45 - Jackie’s athletic training background and transition to entrepreneurship 19:26 - Supporting Josh through significant life crises and grief 21:28 - Recognizing depression and providing support in grief 23:26 - Radical acceptance as a foundation of their relationship 26:13 - Boundaries in relationships and acceptance of differences 27:02 - Personal growth through understanding and patience in marriage 28:26 - Not taking external actions personally and practicing compassion 31:47 - The importance of proactive couples therapy for relationship growth 33:48 - Overcoming resistance to therapy and societal perceptions 35:13 - Navigating mental health through pregnancy and body changes 38:18 - Managing mental health and body image alongside motherhood 39:11 - The value of being present and managing fears about motherhood 43:42 - The fleeting nature of time with children and appreciating each stage 44:24 - Jackie’s shift from athletic training to photography after pandemic disruptions 48:53 - Athlete mindset in managing anxiety and accepting life’s rhythm 50:27 - Supporting others with invisible illnesses and mental health struggles 51:45 - The profound impact of radical acceptance on life and motherhood 52:53 - Creating space for loved ones to be fully themselves 54:15 - Final encouragement for seeking help, cultivating relationships, and spreading awareness Remember: Invisible illnesses are real and managing mental health while supporting loved ones is a form of strength. Seek help when needed, practice radical acceptance, and prioritize your well-being. Sharing this episode could be a step toward someone else finding support and hope.

Tough It Out Culture Is Killing Athletes | Dr. Sam Maniar | #16 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

Inside the Mind of an Athlete: Mental Health, Performance, and Breaking the Stigma In this episode of Mojo Motivation and Mental Health, host we discuss the often unseen mental health pressures faced by athletes, from high school to professional levels, and how the sports culture can both contribute to and help heal these struggles. Expert guest Dr. Sam Maniar shares insights on coaching impacts, social media stress, and the importance of mental health support in sports and beyond.  We talk about the hidden mental health challenges, the influence of NIL, coaching styles and more.    Connect with Mike Orlowski ·       Website [http://www.mojomotivates.com] ·       LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeorlowski/] ·       Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MOJOMotivates] ·       Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mike_orlowski/] ·       TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mojoworldwide] ·       X [https://x.com/MichaelOrlowski]   Connect with Dr. Sam Maniar: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/center4peakperformance/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/center4peakperformance] * Website [http://www.c4pp.org/] * X [https://x.com/sam_maniar]     Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and show's purpose: addressing mental health in sports 01:12 - The current pressures athletes face in the age of NIL deals and social media 02:41 - Comparing performance pressures in sports and corporate roles 05:08 - Rising mental health struggles and lack of coping skills among athletes 06:46 - Impact of social media negativity and public scrutiny 08:04 - The importance of supportive environments and role of trainers and staff 09:40 - The significance of athlete stories and public figures sharing their struggles 11:27 - Challenges unique to professional sports and confidentiality issues 13:44 - The need for mental health resources and stigma reduction in youth sports 15:01 - Coaching styles and their effects on mental health 16:18 - Signs of mental health issues and how coaches can support athletes 18:10 - Developing supportive coaching teams and communication 19:49 - The importance of mental health professionals in sports teams 22:22 - Injury, recovery, and mental health support for injured athletes 24:53 - Strategies for reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking 27:06 - Organizational efforts to improve mental health care availability 28:38 - The alarming rise of athlete suicides and the importance of ongoing conversations 30:11 - Corporate work: coaching executives to manage stress and lead effectively 40:11 - The link between mental health and motivation, especially during COVID 44:21 - Practical mental health tools: journaling, mindfulness, and managing distractions 52:19 - The myth of choosing between performance and well-being—both are essential 54:38 - Connecting with Dr. Maniar and resources for mental health support