Every Cave Has an Exit: Bryna Siegel Finer’s Story of Treatment-Resistant Depression

Every Cave Has an Exit: Bryna Siegel Finer’s Story of Treatment-Resistant Depression

In this episode of the No Shame On U podcast, we sit down with Bryna Siegel Finer, Professor of English, as she shares her powerful story of resilience in the face of treatment-resistant depression. Bryna opens up about the challenges she faced, the treatments that fell short, and how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has helped her in her recovery. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding hope, exploring innovative treatments, and reclaiming mental well-being, even when the journey feels darkest.

The contents of the No Shame On U Podcast are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your condition. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts, text or dial 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Mattie, Milo, and Me: Unexpected Healing Through the Heart of a Dog

Mattie, Milo, and Me:

Unexpected Healing ThrougH the Heart of a Dog

In this episode of the No Shame On U Podcast, we sit down with author Anne Abel to discuss her powerful new book, Mattie, Milo, and Me, which explores the transformative role her dogs played in her mental health journey. Growing up in an abusive home led Anne to struggle with depression and a deep commitment to breaking the cycle as a mother. After reluctantly adopting her first dog, Mattie, she experienced profound healing. But when Mattie’s sudden death pushed her back into depression, adopting Milo, a challenging dog with a history of aggression, became another unexpected path to growth. Anne’s story is one of resilience, love, and the deep connection between humans and their pets as they help us heal in ways we never imagined. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about grief, healing, and the power of second chances.

Learn more about Anne Abel here: https://anneabelauthor.com/mattie-milo-and-me/

Turning Point: Tim Graves on Confronting Addiction and Embracing Change

Turning Point: Tim Graves on Confronting Addiction and Embracing Change

Join us as Tim Graves, a Navy Veteran and neurodivergent individual, shares his powerful story of overcoming a traumatic past and 33 years of alcoholism. Tim’s journey to recovery, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to healing, has led him to become a guiding force for others battling addiction. Discover how empowerment, spirituality, and self-love transformed his life and how he now helps others find their path to lasting change.

My Mental Health Journey: Open-mindedness, Willingness, Patience, and Persistence

My Mental Health Journey: Open-mindedness, Willingness, Patience, and Persistence

Join us for our meaningful discussion with Josh Pogonitz, a 21-year-old college undergrad student at the University of Maryland, as he shares his personal experiences and insights into mental health struggles.  Josh lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression.  Over the years, he has attended a residential program and a partial hospitalization program. Listen as he shares his story of pain and hope. 

Growing through Grief: Rena Rosen's Journey of Healing and Acceptance

Meet Rena Rosen, who lost her father to illness as a teenager. Rena shares how her grief journey has evolved over the years and the ways she has managed her loss during life's ups and downs. She is on a mission to normalize grief and embrace it as an important part of every human being's life.

This podcast is in memory of Rena’s dad, Michael Rosen.

All There Is With Anderson Cooper

Children’s Bereavement Center - Children/Teen Grief Support

From Grief to Grace: A Sister's Legacy in Pop Culture

Join us as we have an insightful conversation with Amy Sewick. In 2020 after almost 20 years of working alongside young people in various capacities, Amy had to step back from her profession due to the tragic passing of her sister to suicide and the needs of her children. She is now self-employed as she owns her own photography business. Additionally, she started a pop culture podcast a few years ago in memory of her sister Rebecca. Amy lives in Midcoast, Maine, with her wife, Mandy, and their two sons, Anderson, who is 9, and Kai, who is 7.

Amy’s Podcast - Pop Culture Retrospective:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/

Sibling Loss Grief Suppor Resources: 

Sibling Grief Club:: https://siblinggriefclub.com

Grieving a Loss to Suicide Support Group: https://www.jcfs.org/events/grieving-loss-suicide

The Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness

Bipolar General; My Forever War with Mental Illness

Today, we talk with author and retired Major General Gregg Martin. Gregg F. Martin, PhD, Major General, US Army (Retired), served on active duty for 36 years, until May 2015. He is a combat veteran, Bipolar Survivor, Airborne-Ranger-Engineer qualified soldier, and Army Strategist. General Martin recently released his new book - The Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness - published by the Naval Institute Press. Learn about his struggle with mental illness, why he wrote the book, and how he manages his health today.

Learn more here: https://www.generalgreggmartin.com/

Buy the book on Amazon.

From Taboo to Treatment: Talking Psychedelics with Bruce Sewick

From Taboo to Treatment: Talking Psychedelics with Bruce Sewick

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 46th Podcast! Today, we had an interesting discussion with Bruce Sewick, LCPC, CADC, about the use of psychedelics and mental health. Bruce retired as the CEO of Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center (Franklin Park), and the SHARE Program (Hoffman Estates) in July of 2022 after working there for 26 years. He is now an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the CRSS Success Grant at the College of DuPage, where he has worked for 20 years in the Human Services Department. He has been lecturing on the therapeutic use of psychedelics for over 25 years and has taught a class on Psychedelics called “Psychedelic Mindview” at the College of DuPage. Listen as we discuss everything from the history of psychedelics to what treatment looks like.

Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition or mental health treatment.

http://www.brucesewick.com/

No Shame On U Podcast 45: Early Childhood Mental Health with JCC Chicago's Jen Streicher

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 45th Podcast! Today we spoke about early childhood mental health with expert Jen Streicher. Jen Streicher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Assistant Director of Social Services for JCC Chicago, where she has worked for over 17 years in various capacities. Jen holds a master’s of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Science in Child Development, and a post-graduate certificate in Infant Mental Health from the Erikson Institute. We talked with Jen about what mental health support looks like for early childhood-aged children, tips and tools for parents, and resources.

To learn more about JCC Chicago, go to: www.jcchicago.org .

No Shame On U Podcast 44: Samantha Kolkey and Options for College Success

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 44th Podcast. Today, we are meeting with Samantha Kolkey, the Executive Director of Options for College Success. Listen as Samantha describes her personal journey with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and how it fuels her passion and work for Options for College Success.

Options for College Success’s mission is to support young adults with learning challenges and disabilities develop the skills and confidence to succeed academically, work productively, and live independently. We envision an inclusive future where emerging adults with disabilities have opportunities to build their own successful life.

Learn more at: https://www.optionsforcollegesuccess.org/



No Shame On U Podcast 43: Live Life in Color: Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Edie Freimark

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 43rd Podcast! Edie Freimark has had a long career in business management and is a pending certified Recovery Support Specialist.  Edie works for Josselyn Center as a Peer Support Specialist in the northern suburbs of Illinois.  She was recently awarded the 2023 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)  support Group facilitator of the year by NAMI Bucks  County PA.  At NAMI, Edie was a Support Group Facilitator for many groups and was a warm-line responder.  

To learn more about the program Edie participated in to become a Recovery Support Specialist, go to:  

Recovery Support Specialist | Elgin Community College (ECC)



No Shame On U Podcast 42: Grief Advocate, Educator, and Podcaster - Aleksandra Muller

No Shame On U Podcast 42: Grief Advocate, Educator, and Podcaster - Aleksandra Muller

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 42nd Podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible opportunity to talk with Aleksandra Muller, as she opens up about her profound journey through grief, having lost her father unexpectedly at the age of 19.

Aleks is now a 22 year old grief educator on grief.com, grief advocate, and podcaster. Aleks is dedicated to helping people find light and hope while battling the journey of grief and guiding friends and family members on how to best support others who are grieving. Aleks is always on the hunt for more opportunities to educate others on grief.

Find her podcast My Second Life on grief and healing on Spotify and Apple.

To see the video version of the podcast, go to My Second Life on Spotify.

No Shame On U Podcast 41: Mental Health Advocate - Daniel Warshawsky

No Shame On U Podcast 41: Mental Health Advocate - Daniel Warshawsky

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 41st Podcast! Today we are meeting with mental health advocate Daniel Warshawsky. Daniel is very special to No Shame On U as he has served on our board of directors for the last several years. Enjoy our conversation about Daniel’s journey, his passion for mental health, and his experience as an individual in the LGBTQ+ community.

Daniel Warshawsky is a current PsyD Student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Most recently, he worked as the Engagement Director for the Midwest branch of United Synagogue Youth (USY), the youth movement for Conservative Jewish teens in North America. In this role, he worked with professional staff and teen leaders from throughout the Midwest to create and implement innovative social, educational, and leadership programming for teens. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Jewish Studies, and Marketing from Indiana University, and recently received his master’s degree in clinical psychology.  Daniel is extremely passionate about mental health awareness and is a board member of No Shame on U, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions. He has received certifications in Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and has facilitated support groups for teens. He is frequently asked to speak about the topic of mental health at schools, synagogues, and community organizations in Chicago.

No Shame On U Podcast 40: Born Into Crisis

No Shame On U Podcast 40: Born Into Crisis

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 40th Podcast! The American Health system is in crisis, and those affected by its shortcomings are drowning without the tools and resources they deserve and need to thrive. Today we are talking with author Kenneth Nixon. Kenneth just came out with an intense and meaningful memoir Called Born into Crisis. Kenneth knows firsthand the impact trauma can have on a person's life and takes us on a power-powerful journey of his life. He does it uniquely where he shares tips, tools, and strategies for personal and collective change in our nation.


No Shame On U Podcast 39: Mental Health & Incarceration: A Conversation with The Hinda Institute

No Shame On U Podcast 39: Mental Health & Incarceration: A Conversation with The Hinda Institute

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 39th Podcast! For close to 40 years, the Jewish chaplains and staff of the HINDA INSTITUTE have dedicated themselves to helping individuals and their families navigate the criminal justice system and re-entry to society with faith, community, and dignity.

Today we speak with Abigail Rabinowitz Scheiman, Program Coordinator at the Hinda Institute. and Mary Zukowski is a registered Nurse who has serviced mental health recipients for over 30 years. She has particularly been interested in support services for patients post-discharge and, in the past, has explained similar concerns after her own family member experienced a mental health issue and subsequent incarceration.

To learn more about the Hinda Institute, go to: https://www.hindahelps.com/

No Shame On U Podcast 38: Mental Health Advocate Mara Zimmerman

No Shame On U Podcast 38: Mental Health Advocate Mara Zimmerman

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 38th Podcast with Certified Meditation and Yoga Teacher, and Health Mentor, Mara Zimmerman!

Mara is a Certified Meditation and Yoga Teacher and Health Mentor. She has a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology. She offers Mind-Body Centered Therapy, Holistic Counseling, and Health and Spiritual Guidance, with Mindfulness as the foundation. She has continued her studies in Eastern Philosophy, Homeopathy, and the Healing Arts. With a focus on Self-care and Well-being, Mara teaches to all ages, stages and abilities. She has learned that each person is unique and should be true to their own needs.

No Shame On U Podcast 37: Mental Health Advocate Marc Fein

No Shame On U Podcast 37: Mental Health Advocate Marc Fein

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 37th Podcast with Mental Health Advocate Marc Fein!

Marc Fein is a facilitator, educator, and mentor. Marc has spent the past ten years creating experiences, workshops, and events that helped thousands of people across North America develop the skills and confidence to reach their true potential. Workshops are grounded in human centered design, reflective, and directed by the learner to fit their individual goals.

As a Mental Health Advocate with lived experience Marc shares his story in an effort to raise awareness of Mental Health issues in our communities and destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health.

To learn more about Marc’s work, go HERE!

No Shame On U Podcast 36: Buttercup & Joy - Robyn Sabel

No Shame On U Podcast 36: Buttercup & Joy - Robyn Sabel

Welcome to the No Shame On’s 36th podcast! Today, we are talking with Robyn Sabel, who runs a meaningful business called Buttercup & Joy - Jewelry with Meaning. Robyn is a married mother of two (grown) children. With an empty nest on the horizon, Robyn has been trying to figure out what’s next. So far, it seems that what’s next is reconnecting with old friends, rediscovering things she likes to do, and starting a business dedicated to supporting the mental health community. Listen to this podcast to learn more about why she choose to do this type of work!

Website: https://buttercupandjoy.com/

No Shame On U Podcast 35: Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Survivor - Frank Pomata

No Shame On U Podcast 35: Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Survivor - Frank Pomata

Join us for the 35th episode of the No Shame On U Podcast! Today we talk with Frank Pomata. Frank Pomata is a Mental Health Advocate with 25+ years of experience working in the non-profit/human services sector in various capacities and settings and in the public sector for State and Local government. After a long journey coming to terms with his own mental illness, Frank embarked on a mission to utilize his writing and public speaking abilities to become a Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention speaker, trainer, author, and advocate. Since 2018, he has spoken to groups of non-profit/human services professionals, business leaders, fraternal organizations, and at school-based events for parents, students, and educators. Frank has also been interviewed on local radio, for podcasts, and has conducted both virtual and in-person trainings.

Several years ago, Mr. Pomata created and facilitates a Group on the Linkedin social media platform Mental Health Change Agents-Advocates-Motivational Speakers, whose purpose is to foster dialogue between Mental Health Clinicians and persons with “lived experience” like himself. His goal in writing and telling his story is to: educate and reduce stigma, normalize talking about mental health, and make it safer for those in emotional pain to ask for help AND for them to be treated with dignity when they do so.

Frank is also a Suicide Survivor.

LinkedIn Group: Mental Health Change Agents-Advocates-Motivational Speakers