Normalize It Forward (Marc Lehman)

Self-care is not selfish. It’s essential. In this episode, life coach Randy Spelling joins Marc Lehman for a candid conversation about self-care and mental health. They dive deep into how self-care is more than just indulgent moments; it encompasses setting boundaries and finding simple joys like a refreshing walk to clear the mind. They discuss the challenges faced by today’s youth, including rising anxiety levels and the impact of digital communication on real-life interactions. Tune in for insights that inspire a healthier, more fulfilling life!

Every student athlete is burdened with the task of balancing work and play. They are expected to perform well in their academics and in the court, and most of the time, this pressure takes a huge toll on their mental health. Marc Lehman explores the right way to provide support to student with former basketball player and current coach Jeff Calhoun. Together, they emphasize the importance of normalizing conversation about mental health among young adults and how they should connect with their elders and fellow students about it. Jeff also explains why taking moments of tranquility is extremely needed in this constantly interconnected world that does not seem to know how to take a break.

There is no single approach to taking care of your mental health; you do what works best for you. To help people determine the most effective ones for them, French-American actress Stephanie Szostak created the interactive playbook SELF!SH. She joins Marc Lehman to share how this collection of different practices helped elevate her mental fitness, eliminate imposter syndrome, and live a truly authentic life. They also discuss how young people should properly navigate social media, spend more time on their self-care regimens, and escape the pressure of having everything figured out.

Just as we prioritize physical health, it’s equally important to invest in our mental wellness. In this episode, Marc Lehman talks with Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of Lifelines, about the importance of mental wellness for young adults. Melissa discusses the societal pressures that can lead to an existential crisis and emphasizes the importance of authentic connections for a fulfilling life. She offers practical tips for parents and educators to support young people’s mental well-being through self-care, meaningful connections, and pursuing passions. Whether you’re a college student, a supportive parent, or prioritizing your mental health, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration.

Dave Briggs, a seasoned national broadcaster, joins Normalize It Forward podcast to discuss his personal journey with mental health and wellness. In this candid conversation, Dave shares how he navigated anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the role of therapy in his healing process. Tune in as Dave reflects on the evolution of mental health discussions, the impact of COVID-19 on our collective well-being, and the need for more accessible mental health resources.

College students have to juggle a lot of responsibilities every single day, and these go even beyond schoolwork. Some have extracurricular duties, while others have side hustles to focus on. Such hectic schedules push them to set aside self-care, and their mental health suffers the most. Marc Lehman sits down with actress Spencer Ganus, who guides high schoolers through college admissions. Talking all about her wellness blog and her own college experience, she discusses how young adults should handle the pressures of social media and the adverse impact of the pandemic. Spencer also explores the importance of time management, self-care, and being open-minded to exploring different passions.

A Million Little Things is an ABC drama series that explores various mental health topics, primarily suicide, depression, and grief. In this podcast episode, Marc Lehman sits down with the show's creator, DJ Nash, to talk about this series' inception and production. Marc shares how losing a real friend to suicide and dealing with anxiety inspired him to create a show centered on mental health issues. DJ Nash also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic changed young people's perspective on mental health, the importance of being a good friend to yourself, and how to reach out to those struggling with inner battles.

Baseball player-turned-coach Tyler Ganus shares valuable insights about time management and how it can lead to achieving peak performance. Discover various strategies on using your time accordingly to strike the right balance between athletic and academic success. Explore the importance of having an unbreakable mindset and positive work ethic during your college years. Learn how to navigate failure without getting stuck and maintain a positive outlook. Plus, discover practical self-care tips to elevate your lifestyle and save you from anxiety that often leads to self-sabotage.

Leon Logothetis, also known as "Leon the Kindness Guy," is a global adventurer, motivational speaker, and author best known for his work in spreading kindness and human connection. Formerly a successful stockbroker, Leon left his career to embark on a journey around the world, relying solely on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and transportation. His experiences led to the creation of the Netflix series The Kindness Diaries, where he shares powerful stories of compassion and generosity. Leon now dedicates his life to inspiring others to lead with kindness, showing how small acts of goodwill can create lasting change in the world.

Marc Lehman delves into an open discussion about mental health and wellness with Ellen Bradley Ganus, online business expert, entrepreneur, athlete, and network. Ellen explains why self-care, consistent incremental efforts, and strict time management are crucial in maintaining sound mental health and finding genuine joy every single day. She also talks about the importance of embracing mindfulness practices and the right way to balance eating, sleeping, and exercising to secure significant personal growth.

Depression and anxiety are among the biggest mental health challenges being faced by most young adults right now. Wellness coach and therapeutic art practitioner Penny Jarrett is here to discuss how they can look after themselves better through self-care. Joining Marc Lehman, she discusses how social media and the internet greatly contribute to young people’s toxic self-comparison and limiting beliefs. Penny also underlines how positive affirmations and addressing unresolved dreams and trauma can unleash your greatest potential.

It is often said that one in five people suffer from mental health issues. This perspective is a bit flawed, because everyone is at risk of experiencing such internal battles no matter who they are. Marc Lehman discusses how we can reframe mental health and eliminate the backward understanding of its issues with Eric Kussin of the nonprofit organization #SameHere. Together, they explain how society and treatment must focus more on addressing one’s underlying trauma and less on being reactive to the disorders arising from it. Eric also emphasizes the impact of technology and social media on mental health, particularly for young people.

In today's fast-paced world, young people often find themselves bombarded with a huge ton of societal pressures. When these become too much to handle, their mental health gets overwhelmed and pushed to the limit. Marc Lehman discusses how to address this alarming problem with educator Sue Lemke. Together, they explain how to help the youth get rid of the fear of missing out and reduce their obsession with their cellular phones - two of the leading causes of mental health issues. Sue also explores how the COVID-19 pandemic vastly changed the social skills of students today, which has led to higher risks of anxiety and depression.

Normalize that it's okay to ask for help. In this episode, Kami Evans, community leader and Republican candidate for State Senate in District 26, joins us to discuss the critical role mental health plays in building a stronger, healthier community. Kami shares her passion for advocating mental health, supporting families, and fostering open conversations about emotional challenges, especially for young people facing the pressures of modern life. From the importance of listening to small moments to taking steps toward self-care, this conversation offers practical advice and inspiration for creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Suicide rates among young people have been skyrocketing for the past couple of years. Most of them are pushed to their limits because they do not have safe spaces to be vulnerable and support systems that make them stronger. Emma Benoit attempted to commit suicide at 16, and now she has dedicated herself to addressing this ever-growing problem. Joining Marc Lehman, she explains how she uses public speaking to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and young people’s obsession with creating a picture-perfect image of themselves. Emma also shares valuable tips on how parents can better support their children and help them take care of their mental health the same way they do with their physical bodies.