Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

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

From Fentanyl Loss to Mental Health App | Jeff Johnston | #15 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

In this episode, Jeff Johnson shares his transformative journey from devastating personal loss to creating Brightn, an AI-driven mental health app. After losing his son to Fentanyl, wife to Alcoholism and mother, Jeff turned his grief into a mission to prevent similar tragedies.   Connect with Jeff Johnston: ·       BrightnApp [https://brightnapp.com/] — AI-powered mental health app focusing on resilience ·       Jeff's book: This One's For You [https://amzn.to/4nL2GkM] — Jeff's journey through addiction and purpose ·       LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-a-johnston/] ·       Twitter – Brightn App [https://x.com/brightn_app] ·       Instagram [https://instagram.com/brightnapp] – Brightn App   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 - Introducing Jeff's journey of loss and purpose 02:17 - The mental health epidemic and the need for upstream solutions 05:09 - Shifting focus from symptoms to prevention 06:41 - Jeff’s personal story of childhood, success, and early signs of struggle 08:38 - The impact of misdiagnosis and substance abuse in Seth’s story 10:07 - The profound moment of Seth’s release from prison and subsequent overdose 13:26 - Jeff’s experience with suicidal thoughts and near self-harm 14:44 - Breaking down overwhelming grief into manageable parts 16:05 - Communicating grief to children and the importance of honesty 18:45 - The metaphor of life choices after tragedy – anger vs. love 20:19 - The "fork in the road" moment and Jeff’s commitment to love and hope 21:43 - Overcoming alcoholism and the role of deep introspection 23:26 - Supporting Prudence through sobriety and her death 25:37 - Jeff’s mental health breakdown and the fight for survival 26:53 - The power of psychedelics and reframing painful memories 33:02 - The journey to creating Brightn as a preventative mental health platform 37:44 - The importance of purpose, love, and community in resilience-building 42:53 - How Brightn works: journaling, mood tracking, and AI support 48:13 - Shifting mental health from labeling to empowerment 55:29 - The value of community and connection in healing 60:06 - Practical advice for those facing catastrophic loss and grief 66:24 - The possibility when we reframe stories and focus on hope 70:29 - The message: Prevention, connection, and purpose save lives

A Modern Day Miracle on Route 95 | Jim Rinere | #14 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

Finding Hope and Connection: Jim Rinere’s Journey from Darkness to Light In this episode, Jim Rinere shares his powerful story of surviving trauma, depression, and a near-fatal suicide attempt. His journey highlights the importance of connection, vulnerability, and redefining masculinity to foster mental health and healing.   Resources & Links Connect with Jim Rinere: ·       Jim Rinere on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@therescoffeeinthefridge] — Supportive videos on mental health ·       Jim Rinere’s Website [https://jimrinere.com/] — Learn more about his journey and programs ·       Amazon: Coffee in the Fridge by Jim Rinere [https://amzn.to/4woLXaK] — Purchase the book ·       Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therescoffeeinthefridge/] ·       LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimrinere/]   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: The power of connection in mental health 02:24 - Jim’s childhood trauma and its impact on his life 06:28 - The 2005 suicide attempt: a detailed recounting 10:02 - Jim’s recovery journey and how he started talking publicly about mental health 17:09 - Choosing vulnerability over shame & empowering others to seek help 20:04 - Men’s emotional repression and its repercussions 22:53 - Redefining masculinity: blending strength with emotional openness 27:35 - The "suicide cycle" and how repressed anger fuels it 30:01 - Practicing conscious self-forgiveness and managing ego 32:28 - The importance of meditation and mindfulness for mental health 39:34 - Jim’s “Roadmap to Health”: sleep, nutrition, exercise & gratitude 44:05 - Using TikTok as a platform for outreach and support 48:20 - Advice for men struggling with emotional repression and suicidal thoughts 51:27 - The power of connection and having a support system 53:38 - The possibility of hope, healing, and a fulfilling life after crisis 54:42 - Final thoughts: choosing life and living with purpose

The Curve: Where Jason Planned to Die | Jason Barnaby | #13 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

Surviving The Curve: Where Jason Planned To Die Main Topics: ·       The 'curve' and moments of suicidal thoughts ·       Recognizing and fighting the voices of self-doubt ("what ifs") ·       Finding your fire: passion, purpose, and community ·       The power of therapy, medication, and mental health awareness ·       Using the Enneagram for self-awareness and stress management ·       Practical steps: starting small and building momentum Contact Jason Barnaby: ·       Fire Starters Inc. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fire-starters-inc/posts/?feedView=all] — Jason Barnaby’s company ·       Jason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason%F0%9F%94%A5-barnaby-252a68/] ·       Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/firestartersinc/]   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: Overcoming mental health struggles and finding your tribe 02:17 - Jason's story: Thoughts of ending his life at the 'curve' 03:54 - Recognizing numbness and emotional detachment 06:45 - The importance of mental health assessments and medical help 08:29 - The impact of starting medication and self-reflection in the mirror 09:34 - The awakening: seeing life in a new light after treatment 11:10 - Sharing struggles publicly and breaking stigma 13:37 - The 'crack in the door' and momentum toward healing 17:54 - How to reframe the negative voices ("voice in your head") 20:00 - Talking back to the "what ifs" and imposter syndrome 22:52 - Fighting self-sabotage and the importance of small wins 25:02 - Finding your fire: passion, purpose, and fan your flame framework 28:21 - The ember inside us and nurturing it into a flame 32:03 - The power of positive feedback and self-awareness 35:44 - Overcoming fear: taking small steps 44:16 - Integrating the Enneagram for personal growth and stress management 48:53 - The core message of Jason's books 50:30 - Common 'what ifs' and insecurities that hold us back 55:18 - Call to action: Seek help, speak your story, and start today 56:44 - Starting with small, achievable goals ("strike the match") 58:34 - Connecting with Jason: LinkedIn and social media links

Beneath the Hard Hat: A Suicide Crisis | Sonya Bohmann | #12 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

This episode dives into the alarming suicide rates within the construction industry and explores effective prevention strategies. Sonya Bohmann, executive director of CIASP, shares insights on risks, ongoing efforts, and how industry stakeholders can foster a safer, stigma-free environment. Resources & Links: ·       Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) [https://preventconstructionsuicide.com/] ·       Connected Minds Mental Health Screening Tool [https://connectedminds.com/] ·       211 Social Services Resource [https://211.org/] ·       Build the Conversation: CIASP Resources [https://preventconstructionsuicide.com/resources] Connect with Sonya Bohmann: ·       LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-bohmann-2a56b52/] 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 to mental health risks in construction industry 02:21 – Why construction workers are at high risk for suicide 04:28 – The catalyst for establishing CIASP in 2018 05:00 – Key statistics prompting industry action 06:14 – Free resources offered by CIASP, including toolbox talks and mental health screenings 08:28 – Overcoming fears around employer confidentiality and utilizing EAPs 10:35 – Personal story of Sonya's connection to suicide prevention 11:41 – Outreach efforts via presentations, podcasts, and webinars 13:23 – How companies can build ongoing mental health programs 15:01 – Understanding 9-8-8 crisis response and support networks 17:57 – Addressing the macho culture and encouraging open conversations 19:31 – The intersection of veteran status and construction-related mental health issues 21:34 – Risks of site-to-site isolation and physical demands on mental well-being 23:28 – Substance use, opioids, and their link to suicide risk 25:11 – Upcoming lived experience video initiative highlighting recovery stories 27:50 – Collaborations and how different organizations amplify the mission 29:12 – Practical advice for struggling workers and supervisors 30:50 – Steps for industry leaders to implement CIASP training 32:47 – Signs of cultural change and growing openness in the industry 34:21 – How to connect with CIASP and access free training and resources 36:09 – Final call to action: breaking the industry’s silence and prioritizing mental health