PiZetta Media

Kody Green, a mental health advocate known as the "Schizophrenic Hippie," shares his inspiring journey from facing the challenges of schizophrenia, addiction, and incarceration to becoming a full-time advocate for mental health awareness. Growing up as a caregiver for his mother with schizoaffective disorder, Kody witnessed the stigma surrounding mental illness early on. After his own diagnosis, he turned his struggles into a mission to educate others, promote understanding, and support those navigating similar journeys. Kody highlights the importance of building a supportive community, using humor in advocacy, and prioritizing self-care while helping others.

Jonathan Marx, MBA is the Host and Founder of GoToHealth Media

Dr. Elizabeth Markle, co-founder and executive director of Open Source Wellness, joins us to share her journey in the mental health field and how it led to the creation of her groundbreaking nonprofit organization. From an early passion for becoming a therapist to working within healthcare systems that often fell short of patients' needs, Dr. Markle recognized the need for something different. Open Source Wellness was born out of a desire to create a supportive, culturally affirmative, and community-driven model where individuals could experience "community as medicine." By focusing on movement, nutrition, social connection, and stress reduction, Open Source Wellness brings participants together to create real, lasting changes in their health and well-being.

Adam Nemer, founder of Simple Mental Health, shares his personal journey from a high-pressure career as a senior executive with undiagnosed anxiety and depression to becoming a dedicated mental health advocate. Nemer recounts how a thoughtful conversation initiated by a senior leader who took a mental health first aid course transformed his life, paving the way for his own healing journey and a redefined approach to leadership. By normalizing discussions around mental health, Nemer illustrates how creating supportive workplace environments can drastically improve both employee well-being and business performance.

Jeffrey Johnston, CEO and founder of Brightn, shares his deeply moving and transformative journey that inspired the creation of his mental wellness initiative. Jeff opens up about his life-changing moments, from personal success as an investment firm owner to profound loss when he lost his son, Seth, to fentanyl poisoning, followed by the passing of his wife due to alcoholism. These heartbreaking events motivated Jeff to create Brightn, an app aimed at empowering youth with mental wellness tools, rather than resorting to labels and prescriptions. Jeff's vulnerability and determination to rise from tragedy illustrate the power of resilience and a purpose-driven mission to bring change to others who are struggling.

Dr. Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, LMHC, CEO of Collectively, shares her journey and dedication to supporting mental health for children and families. Since founding Collectively in 2020, she has focused on transforming complex research on behavioral health into practical, digestible tools for everyday people. Drawing from her vast experience in public health and work across child welfare, probation, and educational systems, Dr. Radlauer uses her expertise to create impactful resources, including a workbook titled "Connect 100 Ways to Create Happiness in Your Life." This innovative tool features actionable activities for improving social connection, managing social media, and more—helping individuals, families, therapists, and teachers alike enhance their mental well-being. In this interview, Dr. Radlauer discusses the challenges and rewards of public speaking, turning research into engaging, relatable material, and the power of collaboration. Her passion for empowering communities and creating meaningful change shines through, whether in one-on-one workshops or large public events. Dr. Radlauer’s hope is to foster a movement around social connection, particularly for young people, to promote genuine interaction and belonging in a digitally dominated world. Learn how her work is making a difference in the global mental health crisis and how you can use her strategies to create more connection and happiness in your own life.

Sarah O'Brien, LCSW, LCSW-C Fargo O'Brien, a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia, shares her inspiring journey into the mental health field, fueled by a deep desire to understand human behavior and connection. From high school psychology classes to navigating her own experiences with complex PTSD, anxiety, and relational trauma, Sarah found her calling in helping others heal. Her unique blend of professional training and personal insight allows her to genuinely connect with clients, offering a safe space to navigate their own challenges. With a focus on trauma-informed care, Sarah's therapeutic approach emphasizes that healing is a deeply human process that benefits both client and therapist.

Cathy Applefeld Olson, founder of Hollywood and Mind, shares her passionate journey as a mental health advocate, emphasizing the importance of celebrating individual uniqueness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Inspired by her experiences as a mother and a seasoned entertainment journalist, Cathy saw a powerful intersection between mental health and media. Having countless conversations with influential figures in the entertainment industry, she recognized the untapped potential of using media's reach to foster impactful change. Her initiative, Hollywood and Mind, serves as a central hub connecting mental health efforts across sectors, fostering collaborations that elevate awareness and action.

Natalie Lamb is a Life, Relationship, and Grief Coach, as well as a Prevention Educator, Workshop Host, and Speaker.

Patrick Curley, LCSW Curley is the Clinic Director at Ellie Mental Health-Woodbridge, VA