Y Be Well

Season 3, Episode 8: Endurant — From Anthony’s Life to a Movement of Hope

In this episode of Y Be Well, host Dr. Jonathon Collopy sits down with Neal Tricarico to discuss the life and legacy of his son Anthony and the hidden mental health challenges many neurodivergent youth face. Neal shares Anthony’s journey with high-functioning autism, the emotional toll of masking and the importance of belonging, identity and authentic support for autistic youth. Together, they explore the risks of suicidality in neurodivergent teens, the limitations of traditional support systems and the difference between achievement and fulfillment. Neal also discusses Endurant [https://www.endurantmovement.org/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com], the nonprofit founded in Anthony’s honor to help close the gap between neurodiversity and suicide through education, advocacy and tailored support. The conversation encourages parents, educators and communities to celebrate uniqueness, foster connection and create spaces where every child feels seen and valued. Learn more about The Endurant Movement: https://www.endurantmovement.org/about [https://www.endurantmovement.org/about] To see previous Y Be Well episodes, go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ybewell.org [https://www.ybewell.org/]

Season 3, Episode 7: Building a Kinder World - Inspiring all to unite in kindness

In this episode of Y Be Well, host Dr. Jonathon Collopy sits down with Ms. Anami, Secretary General of World Kindness USA, about the importance of kindness in our communities and the global movement to promote it. They discuss the origins of the World Kindness Movement, how to make kindness a national priority and the significance of celebrating acts of kindness. Ms. Anami emphasizes the need for individuals and cities to adopt kindness as a core value and shares practical ways to engage in kind acts. The conversation highlights the ripple effect of kindness and encourages listeners to take action in their own lives. Learn more about The World Kindness USA: https://theworldkindnessusa.org/ [https://theworldkindnessusa.org/] To see previous Y Be Well episodes, go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ybewell.org [https://www.ybewell.org/]

Season 3, Episode 6: World Mental Health Day - A Focus on Hope

In this episode of Y Be Well, host Dr. Jonathon Collopy sits down with Dr. Willough Jenkins, psychiatrist and global mental health advocate, to explore how our emotional well-being is shaped not only by personal stress but by the world around us. Together they unpack the subtle early signs of overwhelm, the impact of constant exposure to global crises and why staying connected, seeking support and finding hope through community are essential tools for resilience. From practical strategies like sleep and exercise to the growing global recognition of mental health as a human right, Dr. Jenkins offers a grounded yet optimistic perspective — reminding us that recovery is possible, and that even in difficult times, connection, action and compassion can light the way forward. To learn more about Dr. Willough Jenkins, go to: ⁠https://www.willoughjenkins.com/⁠ [https://www.willoughjenkins.com/] To see previous Y Be Well episodes, go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ybewell.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ybewell.org⁠⁠⁠⁠]

Season 3, Episode 5: Grin and Thrive: Oral Health & Whole-Body Wellness with Dr. Brett Parks

On this episode of Y Be Well, host Jonathon Collopy is joined by Dr. Brett Parks, pediatric dentist, Rady Children's Hospital staff member and owner of Parks Pediatric Dentistry in Point Loma. Together they explore how oral health is deeply connected to overall wellness—touching on the science behind the mouth-body connection, the role of the microbiome and how gum health, inflammation and even mental well-being are intertwined. Learn how something as simple as a healthy grin can be the foundation for lifelong health. Parks Pediatric Dentistry: https://www.parkspediatricdentistry.com/ [https://www.parkspediatricdentistry.com/]

Season 3, Episode 4: Aging with Excellence: Building Community Connections with Jocelyn Protopappas

On this episode of Y Be Well, Jonathon speaks with Jocelyn Protopappas, Manager of Special Projects at the Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity about shifting demographics, CEAL’s initiatives, and how intergenerational connections, education, and caregiver support can foster well-being and reduce isolation as we age. Links discussed in the podcast: 1. CEAL Website: https://ceal.sdsu.edu/ [https://ceal.sdsu.edu/] 2. CEAL Community CallHub: https://ceal.sdsu.edu/community-callhub [https://ceal.sdsu.edu/community-callhub] 3. CEAL Healthy Longevity Webinars: https://ceal.sdsu.edu/webinar [https://ceal.sdsu.edu/webinar] To see previous Y Be Well episodes, go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ybewell.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ybewell.org⁠⁠⁠⁠] For more information about your new year at the Y, go to: ⁠⁠https://www.ymcasd.org/belong [https://www.ymcasd.org/belong]