The Hart of the Matter

KJ, Tom Episode 7

Summary In this conversation, Kelly Hart interviews TR about his journey working in a male-dominated industry and his experiences in mentoring young men. TR shares his background in sports management and the various roles he has held in the industry. He discusses the challenges he faced in breaking into the sports industry and the importance of perseverance. TR also highlights the changing perceptions of masculinity and the impact it has on young men. The conversation then shifts to mental health, with TR sharing his definition of mental health and mental wellness. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the role of habits and relationships in maintaining mental wellness. TR concludes by discussing the lessons he has learned and his desire to give back and help others. Takeaways * Breaking into the sports industry can be challenging and may require sacrifice and persistence. * The changing perceptions of masculinity can have an impact on young men's self-esteem and identity. * Mental health involves addressing specific disorders, while mental wellness is a daily practice of balance and self-care. * Habits such as exercise, mindfulness, and maintaining healthy relationships contribute to mental wellness. * It is important to teach children the importance of finding a career they are passionate about and to prioritize their mental wellness. * Seeking help and opening up about one's struggles is crucial for personal growth and overcoming challenges. * Experiencing brokenness can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. * There is hope for those going through difficult times, and reaching out for support can make a significant difference in one's journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:04 Favorite Memories and Career Journey 06:20 Challenges in the Sports Industry 09:34 Challenges Faced by Young Men 13:00 Impact of Societal Changes on Mental Health 14:30 Definition of Mental Health and Mental Wellness 16:45 Habits for Mental Wellness 18:01 Teaching Mental Wellness to Children 19:11 Importance of Seeking Help 21:31 Lessons Learned and Giving Back 26:53 Overcoming Brokenness and Finding Hope 30:01 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

KJ, Clare | Episode 6

Summary In this conversation, Kelly Hart and Claire Tran Burnett discuss various topics related to the field of counseling and mental health. They cover Claire's background and path to licensure, the challenges and barriers faced by young professionals, the importance of mental wellness, and the power of conversations in promoting positive change. They also explore the concept of therapeutic confrontation and its impact on clients. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for mindfulness, empathy, and self-reflection in the field of counseling. In this conversation, Clare and KJ discuss the importance of creating a safe space for vulnerability and open communication. They emphasize the need for supervisors to be attuned to their supervisees' well-being and provide support. The conversation also highlights the value of continuing the relationship beyond the supervisory role. Lastly, they stress the importance of consultation and having a strong professional network for support and guidance. Takeaways * The path to licensure in counseling requires significant education, clinical work, and supervision. * Barriers for young professionals in the field include finding job opportunities and quality supervision. * The field of counseling faces challenges such as stigma and limited access to mental health services. * Mental wellness is a personal and subjective experience, but it involves being mindful, having meaningful relationships, and being able to regulate emotions. * Therapeutic confrontation, when done with empathy and love, can be a powerful tool for growth and change in therapy. Creating a safe space for vulnerability and open communication is crucial in a supervisory relationship. * Supervisors should be attuned to their supervisees' well-being and provide support. * Continuing the relationship beyond the supervisory role can be beneficial for both parties. * Having a strong professional network for consultation and support is essential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:29 Path to Licensure 05:09 Supervision and Becoming a Supervisor 07:48 Barriers for Young Professionals 09:13 Challenges in the Field 11:24 Personal Life Lessons 12:55 Challenges on the Horizon 15:00 Importance of Mental Wellness 16:17 What Mental Wellness Looks Like 22:45 The Power of Conversations 28:44 Pearls of Wisdom 38:20 Therapeutic Confrontation 49:36 Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability 50:32 Attunement and Support 51:13 Continuing the Relationship 51:48 The Importance of Consultation 52:06 Closing Remarks

KJ and Josh/ Episode 5

Summary In this conversation, Joshua Lenox shares his educational path and journey to becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor. He discusses the challenges and struggles in the mental health field, including the issue of low pay. Joshua emphasizes the importance of defining mental wellness and shares his perspective on what it means to be mentally well. He also highlights the need for changes in the mental health field and encourages individuals to remember their why and embrace their authentic selves. In this conversation, Joshua Lenox and KJ discuss the importance of being true to oneself and knowing one's purpose. They emphasize the value of focusing on who you are rather than what you do. They also highlight the significance of taking care of oneself and others, as well as the healing and understanding that can come from authentic relationships. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating boundaries and misunderstandings, and the importance of healing ruptures in relationships. Ultimately, they emphasize the creation of safety and trust in order to live authentically and do life together. Takeaways * The journey to becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor can be challenging and requires dedication and perseverance. * Mental health professionals often face low pay and financial challenges in the field. * Defining mental wellness is crucial, and it involves being attuned to oneself, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and maintaining balance in various aspects of life. * The mental health field needs changes, including better pay and support for professionals. * It is important to remember your why and embrace your authentic self in your personal and professional life. Focus on who you are, not just what you do. * Know your purpose and why you are here. * Take care of yourself and recognize your worth. * Healing and understanding can come from authentic relationships. * Navigate boundaries and misunderstandings with open communication. * Work through ruptures in relationships to create safety and trust. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:56 Educational Path and Journey to Licensure 07:26 Challenges and Struggles in the Mental Health Field 17:15 Defining Mental Wellness 23:27 Problems and Changes Needed in the Mental Health Field 33:37 Remembering Your Why and Embracing Authenticity 39:56 Being vs. Doing 41:21 Knowing Your Why 42:11 Taking Care of Yourself and Others 44:32 Healing and Understanding in Relationships 50:34 Navigating Boundaries and Misunderstandings 55:38 Healing Ruptures in Relationships 56:26 Creating Safety and Trust 57:18 Closing Remarks

KJ and Dr. Awad Episode 4

Summary Dr. Farid Awad shares his background and journey from Egypt to the US, his education and degrees, and his path to becoming a counselor. He discusses the challenges in the counseling profession, including the barriers to entry and the difficulties in accessing mental health care. Dr. Awad emphasizes the importance of resilience and mental wellness, which involves being able to bounce back from traumatic experiences and withstand the suffering of life. He highlights the need for a system that supports individuals in thriving in the midst of challenges. The conversation explores the importance of building resilience and mental well-being, the role of therapists in supporting mental health, the importance of self-care for therapists, making a difference and impacting the world, and ends with appreciation and gratitude. Takeaways * The counseling profession has various challenges, including barriers to entry and difficulties in accessing mental health care. * There is a need to reevaluate the requirements and processes for becoming a therapist to make it more equitable and accessible. * Mental wellness involves resilience and the ability to bounce back from traumatic experiences and withstand the suffering of life. * There is a need for a system that supports individuals in thriving in the midst of challenges and provides timely access to mental health care. Building resilience and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining mental health. * Therapists play a vital role in supporting individuals and helping them navigate through challenges. * Self-care is essential for therapists to prevent burnout and maintain their own well-being. * Making a difference and impacting the world can be achieved by changing systems and leaving a positive imprint. * Expressing appreciation and gratitude for the people who support and uplift us is important. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:11 Dr. Awad's Education and Degrees 02:35 Meeting and Connection with Kelly Hart 04:15 Dr. Awad's Journey from Egypt to the US 07:41 Dr. Awad's Path to College and the Military 10:07 Transition to Counseling and the Challenges in the Field 18:05 Barriers to Entry in the Counseling Profession 26:31 Challenges in Accessing Mental Health Care 38:42 Definition of Mental Wellness 44:31 Building Resilience and Mental Well-being 45:20 The Role of Therapists in Supporting Mental Health 46:15 The Importance of Self-Care for Therapists 47:43 Making a Difference and Impacting the World 49:30 Appreciation and Gratitude

KJ, Lea | Episode 3

Summary The conversation covers the guest's role as a physician assistant in mental health, the challenges faced by mental health professionals, the definition of mental wellness, and habits for strengthening mental health. The differences between SSRIs, norepinephrine, and ketamine are discussed, as well as the flaws in the healthcare system and the need for advocacy. A proposed plan for change is presented, which involves collective pooling of resources for insurance, retirement, and advocacy. In this conversation, KJ and Lea Brainerd discuss the need for advocacy and change in the healthcare industry. They emphasize the importance of standing together and advocating for better benefits, including insurance coverage for alternative treatments. They also discuss the struggles faced by mental health professionals and the need for change in regulations and reimbursement rates. Lea shares her personal experience of overcoming failure and offers pearls of wisdom, including the importance of being present and finding your tribe. Takeaways * Physician assistants play a crucial role in mental health as psychiatric clinicians. * The healthcare system presents challenges for mental health professionals, including poor mental health among providers and a focus on profit over patient care. * Mental wellness involves finding individualized tools and coping skills that promote overall health and well-being. * Ketamine therapy offers a different approach to treating mental illness, with rapid-acting antidepressant and anxiety effects. * Advocacy and collective action are necessary to bring about meaningful change in the healthcare system. Advocacy is crucial in the healthcare industry to bring about change and better benefits for professionals. * Standing together as a united front is the only way to make a significant impact and push for necessary reforms. * The lack of benefits and insurance coverage for alternative treatments is a major issue that needs to be addressed. * Mental health professionals face challenges in terms of regulations, reimbursement rates, and the need for better support. * Learning from failure and embracing resilience is an important part of personal growth and development. * Being present, finding tools that work for you, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community are essential for mental wellness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:06 Differentiating the Guest's Role 03:06 Educational Requirements for a PA 04:10 Guest's Niche in Mental Health 05:48 Challenges Faced by Mental Health Professionals 08:54 Differences Between Older and Younger Clinicians 13:24 Definition of Mental Wellness 15:45 Habits for Strengthening Mental Health 23:44 Differences Between SSRIs, Norepinephrine, and Ketamine 31:12 Discussion on the Healthcare System and Advocacy 38:11 Proposed Plan for Change 46:28 Advocating for Change 47:26 Standing Together 48:18 The Importance of Benefits 49:24 Forging a Different Path 50:14 Providing Better Options 52:03 The Struggles of Mental Health Professionals 53:30 Pushing for Change 56:59 Learning from Failure 57:44 Pearls of Wisdom 01:02:21 Finding Your Tribe