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Next live show will be on 05/09/2022 at 6 P.M. PT.
Episode 41 - 10/25/2021: Scott Kiloby Part VI
Scott Kiloby is an internationally recognized and sought-after author, teacher and speaker on the subject of mindfulness and non-dual wisdom as it applies to addiction and other mental illnesses or brain differences. Scott is the founder of the Living Inquiries Community, and the founder and CEO of the Kiloby Center for Recovery located in the beautiful Palm Springs area of California. There’s a brand new “Scott’s List” this week – 5 signs or situations that indicate someone may have, or may develop, a mental illness. As usual, to get your copy of the new “Scott’s List”, call 866-545-6295 or email [email protected].
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Episode 40 - 10/18/2021: Marlene McCraw Part II
Marlene joins Mental Health Mondays for part two of her story. The continuation of her story explains what made her even more invaluable to us, as we dealt with “brain differences” in our children.
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Episode 40 - 10/11/2021: Marlene McCraw
Marlene is not just a guest, she's Marla's mother and the Matriarch of the family. Her years of experience as a chief executive nurse for the Southern California VA Hospital has helped direct both her family and foundation to Mental Wellness solutions. Her story is one you will want to hear.
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Episode 39 - 10/04/2021: TrustyScribe
TrustyScribe's street art was born out of a personal, lifelong struggle with depression. Now, Trusty uses his art, filled with whit and heart, to start a conversation about mental health and love, a conversation that many are desperate to have.
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Episode 38 - 09/27/2021: Scott Kiloby Part V
In this episode, Scott Kiloby, usually scheduled every last Monday of the month, unexpectedly couldn't be on the show. Instead, Marla and Dave discuss the fears and stigma of acknowledging and accepting a loved one not acting "normal." They share their experiences of going through that process with their two children who suffer from mental illness. Listen to their approach as they reveal their journey using their own created helpful tip: It's important to consider an “outside the box” concept of what is normal.
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Episode 37 - 09/20/2021: Regina Queen
Regina Queen is an articulate, informative, and beautifully engaging black woman who describes her hellish predicament with her son, who showed signs of Bipolar at the tender age of 9. From ages 11-22, he was hospitalized 14 times. Regina finally faced her personal stigma and was able to recognize that her son was suffering from mental illness. She discarded the fallacy that mental illness is a “White Man’s Disease,” and embraced the reality, that fear isn’t real, but that danger is. Her son was doing harm to himself and that became more important than her fear about mental illness. It’s her conviction that mental health stems from trauma and rejection on certain levels, which must be addressed. Because of that, her son has addressed his issues while having support from proper medication and healthy living, thus making drastic improvements.
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Episode 36 - 08/30/2021: Scott Kiloby Part IV
MHM Giveaway! Mental Health Mondays is giving away free copies of Scott Kiloby's "5 tips for when a loves one decides t get help." Call 866-545-6295 or Email [email protected] and make sure to say you heard about the tips and The Kiloby Center on Mental Health Mondays!
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Episode 35 - 08/16/2021: DJ HED (Part I)
DJ HED, one of LA's most prominent DJs, has spent over a decade helping the entertainment industry give back to the LA community which includes charity work and advocating a clean lifestyle. This week, he shares his journey while he had COVID, and how he stays "real" under community pressure. His discussion focuses on his purpose in life and his process through self-reflection. He reveals his rigorous "check-in" with himself staying true to his purpose that is sure to inspire anyone who wants to be true to themselves.
08/23/2021: DJ HED (Part II)
Marla and Dave discover DJ Hed's deeper purpose as a "Street Profit." DJ Hed emphasizes the importance of "doing what you're supposed to do." His ability to reach out and touch youth and outcasts is because he connects to their authenticity no matter what. He cares about mental illness publically, that's why he candidly discusses the reasons why the black community is resistant to mental health support. The bottom line of his message is to stop being afraid of being different.
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Episode 34 - 08/09/2021: Ruby Vivas
When Ruby Vivas was growing up, mental illness was considered a curse and not to be discussed in her community. So when her daughter began to show bipolar symptoms, Ruby struggled within the healthcare system to identify the problem and get the proper care. She also faced her own depression that was never discussed as a child when she found support and direction through NAMI. Ruby joined the ranks of an everyday mental health hero advocating for her daughter and actively dissolving the stigma by being a NAMI SFV Board member and Family to Family teacher.
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Episode 33 - 08/02/2021: Susie Traboulsi
Susie Traboulsi’s tireless love as a parent for her adult son who suffers from schizophrenia came to NAMI SFV because his condition became unmanageable. With a broken heart, reduced to tears, she rose out of her ashes like the Phoenix she is, pursued resources found through NAMI, and in turn found a way for her son to live at home while still receiving the care he needs. Susie is a successful businesswoman, NAMI SFV Treasurer, and NAMI SV Board member.
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Episode 31 - 07/12/2021: Hannah Sussman Part I
Hannah Sussman is a talented actress, a NAMI SFV Board member, and one of the producers of Mental Health Mondays. Since age 5, she has also been mom to a mother struggling with mental illness. Hannah will share this experience, plus her own struggle with an eating disorder and successful 37-year recovery.
07/19/2021: Part II
Join us for Part 2 of our interview with Hannah Sussman as she discusses the origin of and reasons behind Mental Health Mondays. Hannah will speak about dissolving stigma, building community trust, and bringing in the support of celebrities. She, Marla, and Dave will also address denial within communities.
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Episode 30 - 06/28/2021: Scott Kiloby Part III
Scott Kiloby is an internationally recognized and sought-after author, teacher and speaker on the subject of mindfulness and non-dual wisdom as it applies to addiction and other mental illnesses or brain differences. Scott is the founder of the Living Inquiries Community, and the founder and CEO of the Kiloby Center for Recovery located in the beautiful Palm Springs area of California. As a regular guest, Scott will educate us, and explain how to apply mindfulness in everyday life.
This week, Scott will help those of us who love and care for loved ones who struggle with addiction – help us change our paradigm, so that we can be more effective in our love and care. Scott also shares "Scott's List" - 5 Steps to Calming Your Nervous System.
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Episode 29 - 06/14/2021: Marla, Dave and DJ Thomas (Part One)
Meet our son David R Thomas II (DJ). his struggle and journey with mental health challenges have been very public. Join us for a two part exclusive interview, opening up about his diagnosis and creative endeavors. Be sure to tune in for this rare insight into the mind of someone who is suffering from bipolar I with schizoaffective disorder. Don't miss it!
6/21/2021 (Part Two)
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Episode 28 - 05/24/2021: Favi Gonzalez
In this episode, Favi Gonzalez courageously and bravely shares intimate experiences of her personal life that most people would hide, revealing a transparent story on how she arrived as Education Coordinator for NAMI SFV. Favi’s goal is to create more classes tailor-made for the Latino community as well as welcoming everyone in the San Fernando Valley to NAMI SFV’s resources and support for mental health.
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Episode 27 - 05/17/2021: Sarah Murphree
Sarah Murphree is poised, lovely, and articulate when discussing she learned as a 10-year-old child not to tell people she was in pain about her mother’s mentally disturbing behavior. Her mother was irresponsible and childlike still watching the children's television show, Sesame Street when Sarah was in high school. Sarah, an excellent student, learned to reach out about her undiagnosed mother in college and learned to prioritize her own mental health well-being. She forged ahead with her dreams, becoming the owner and creator of Funnypeoplecrytoo.com, where stand-up comics are real with their emotions and hilarious with their deliveries.
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Episode 26 - 04/26/2021: Scott Kiloby II
Scott is the founder of The Kiloby Center for Recovery (out-patient center) and Natural Rest House Detox Residential Center. He will appear on MHM at the end of each month and will explain how to apply mindfulness in everyday life.
In this episode Scott will break down how to incorporate mindfulness to dissolve negative self talk, and he'll give an exercise for viewers to practice.
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Episode 25 - 04/19/2021: Samantha Scott
Samantha will discuss the difficulties in finding spouses who want to support each other. 90% of the people who have bipolar, end in divorce. That’s why there’s only one spousal support group. Now at NAMI SFV, 2ND Wednesday of each month. Every couple has their story and struggles one way or another. Samantha believes that it’s by choice not chance that determines their destiny. She has faith that with hard work and determination she and her husband can be together forever.
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Episode 24 - 04/12/2021: Marla and Dave Thomas
“How To” deescalate an aggressive mental health episode is the theme of this show. It’s guaranteed to teach the deescalating process so proper handling of these situations happens correctly. Our hosts, Marla and Dave divulge a riveting, honest time of when their son aggressively attacked Dave and the police were called. If you’re terrified this situation might happen, get educated. This is a must-watch!
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Episode 23 - 03/22/2021: Angelique Henderson
This episode's guest is the vibrant Angelique Henderson. She is an actress, writer, and mental health advocate for NAMI’s, In Our Own Voice program. Angelique is a native of Brooklyn, New York who went on to Harvard University to study Economics, Theater, and Spanish before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Her experiences with anxiety and depression during school have led her to advocate for change in the academic world. Her passion focus is creating a mental health REVOLUTION in the ACADEMIC WORLD especially in elementary schools. Follow her on IG: @_Love_Angelique.
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Episode 22: Part 1 - 03/08/2021, Part 2 - 03/15/2021: Lalah Hathaway
In the world of music the name “Lalah Hathaway” evokes two responses, ”her voice is unparalleled” or “OMG…her father “Donny Hathaway” is on my list of all time favorite vocalist…ever!” Lalah’s music stellar career has spanned decades, including 5 Grammy wins, and countless other awards for her vocal excellence. Unfortunately, the legacy of music, for both Lalah and her father, was not enough to protect him from the shadow of mental illness that took his life when Lalah was at the tender age of 10. Today, Lalah continues to share and change lives through her gift of music, as well as making a commitment to speak out about to “break the silence” and “erase the stigma” surrounding “Mental Illness” in our community!
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Episode 21 - 03/01/2021: Erica Blumfield
Erica Blumfield, storyteller, and elementary school creative writing teacher, advocates for the "every-day" person who is in recovery from mental illness. Her tender soul comes through as she eloquently shares her bout with homelessness. While she stresses recovery is hard work, she’s transcended to much greatness, loving herself, and not blaming herself, but embracing mental illness as her gift.
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Episode 20 - 02/08/2021: Jessica Cruz
Jessica Cruz is the CEO of NAMI California. She openly and generously shares her journey on how she didn’t turn her back on her mother, who suffers from mental illness. She like so many NAMI members, have learned that NAMI is comprised of everyday people who have become experts due to their first-hand experience. Because of that reality, her motto, “Lead with love and not fear,” is her driving force to successfully enroll people to rely on NAMI as their tribe.
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Episode 19 - 02/01/2021: Francine Sumner
Watching this episode, you will learn about warrior Francine Sumner, founder/CEO of Kid In the Corner who is shattering the stigma of mental illness. Stigma was the leading cause of her teenage son’s suicide. Thus, Francine’s grassroots organization was born, now shining a light on mental illness through education, awareness, and contagious kindness.
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Episode 18: Part 1 - 01/25/2021, Part 2 - 02/22/2021: Yashi Brown
Yashi Brown is an author, poet, public speaker, and a leading voice in the mental health space since 2011. Poetry became her chosen creative expression upon experiencing severe bipolar depression and mania symptoms as a young adult. Today, she is an award-winning mental health advocate, artist and speaker. Please enjoy the episode and listen to Yashi Brown speak about her amazing journey through life.
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Episode 17: Part 1 - 01/18/2021, Part 2 - 02/15/2021: Dr. Ally
Dr. Allycin Hicks is a Mental Health/Relationship Expert, television personality, and founder of DOUX Consulting Group. She lectures at Cal State LA and has been featured on networks including OWN, VH1, MTV, and NBC, in articles for Black Love, The Knot, and Bon Appetit, and also on a number of podcasts.
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Episode 16 - 01/11/2021: Brenda Sarai Zuniga
Brenda Sarai Zuniga's ADHD, (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), motivated her to develop an unconventional meditation practice called MX3. Learn about this practice and discover how it dissolved her frustration with meditation, and enabled her the focus to be a mindfulness coach, comedian/performer, NAMI "In Our Own Words" speaker, "Ending the silence" speaker, as well as a mental health motivational speaker.
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Episode 15 - 12/14/2020: Scott Kiloby
Scott Kiloby is the founder of Kiloby Center for Recovery and Natural Rest House Detox Residential Center. After a life as a musician, songwriter, lawyer, and a 20-year drug and alcohol addiction, he hit bottom and got clean with the 12-step program. However, he was driven to investigate spiritual practices. He then woke up beyond his ego and realized he had to teach and incorporate non-traditional ways to help others. His centers became ground-breaking because they incorporated Eastern-based thinking, called mindfulness. He translated text from Hinduism and Buddhism for English speaking countries for the mental health recovery world instilling the integration of the body, mind, and soul.
Contact information: 866-545-6295 and Kilobycenter.com
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Episode 14: Part 1 - 12/07/2020, Part 2 - 12/21/2020: Natalie Litza Cadet
Singing since the age of four, Natalie Litza Cadet has become a songwriter, producer, musical arranger, and amazing singer with a three-octave vocal range. She released her debut album, "My Journey," in 2016 and has written songs for Grammy nominees and winners. Join us as she shares her story, in this 2 part series.
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Episode 13 - 11/16/2020: Victoria Hussey
The knowledgeable, poised, Tori Hussey is a health coach who shared her motto on this podcast and it’s worth transcribing! “Your health is an investment, not an expense. However, it will become an expense if you don’t invest in it.” Tori attended a NAMI Family to Family class and gained helpful tools on how to communicate better with her loved one who suffers from anxiety and debilitating OCD. However, in-class she was surprised to learn that nutrition was not a basic foundation in many of the students’ lives or their loved ones suffering from mental illness. Nutrition is a strong foundation for overall health and Tori feels it is not emphasized in the recovery process. Lucky for us she’s advocating nutrition and we support her endeavors.
*There are no guarantees and results are different for everyone. Results vary depending on individual effort, body composition, age, eating patterns, exercise, and the like. Less than 2% of independent consultants reach the Regional Vice President level. For typical annual earnings, visit earnings.arbonne.com
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Episode 12: Part 1 - 11/09/2020, Part 2 - 11/23/2020: Kailyn Lowry
Kailyn "Kail" Lowry is a television personality, book author, parenting blogger, and social media influencer with over 8 million followers. After her debut appearance on MTV's hit show "Teen Mom," Kailyn became one of America's favorite young moms. Kailyn is the proud mother of four beautiful boys.
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Episode 11 - 11/02/2020: Dave Stairs
Dave Stairs is a genuinely thoughtful person who discusses the hand-wringing question that nobody wants to broach. “What will happen to my loved one when I die?” Setting up a support system for his loved one, who suffers from high functioning autism, and social anxiety disorder is now checked off Dave’s to-do list. Dave has peace of mind that his loved one is provided for when he is diseased. This delicate subject is addressed with steps and easy to listen to guidance. No need to avoid doing the right thing. Listen to this wise past president of NAMI SFV and current co-leader of the Care and Share groups. He’s walking the talk and has provided the necessary security for his loved one.
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Episode 10: Part 1 - 10/19/2020, Part 2 - 10/26/2020: Brandy Norwood
Join us for our two part interview with Brandy Norwood - the singer, start of the 90's sitcom "Moesha", and actress who gave a masterful performance in "Chicago". Listen to Brandy further discuss how she has handled personal challenges and found a path back to the light, creativity, and healing.
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Episode 9 - 10/12/2020: Beth Boyd
One of the biggest challenges when dealing with mental illness is recognizing the positive opportunities. Beth Boyd did that and boldly tells her epiphany she had while supporting her daughter as they both trudged the road of mental illness. Today her daughter is successfully living in recovery. Beth, a retired hospital chaplain sought out volunteer work and landed at NAMI SFV at her daughter’s suggestion. Beth freely offers her heart, undertaking a myriad of volunteer positions; NAMI SFV Board Secretary, Instructor for QPR (suicide prevention class) and mental health first aid call, a Helpline volunteer, and Family Support Group facilitator.
Episode 8 - 10/05/2020: Yasmin Irfani
Fortunately for NAMI SFV, Yasmin Irfani, is our NAMI SFV Youth Programs Director. Growing up as an only child in the Pakistani culture, she was labeled a highly sensitive girl. This label caused her to believe there was something horribly wrong with her and she needed fixing. Based on her experience, her culture and family didn’t speak about vulnerability nor emotions, like fear, sadness, and anger. Today as an adult, she does not stay silent which in turn has dissolved her label. Listening to her eloquently share how she bravely unlearns beliefs that don’t serve her anymore proves her to be a powerful role model for her community.
Episode 7 - 09/28/2020: Adilene Valenzuela
"NAMI puts the most vulnerable people first,” says, Adilene Valenzuela - NAMI GLAC Walk Manager and Manager of Public Programs. “When the most vulnerable are taken care of, everybody is taken care of.” Adilene’s vulnerability shines in this episode recounting her empathy for her college roommate’s panic attack and shame, never realizing that act of kindness was her first step on the path leading her towards NAMI.
Episode 6 - 09/21/2020: Robin Steiner
MHM welcomes another woman of valor, Robin Steiner. She’s a NAMI SFV Family to Family Teacher, Board Member, Support Group Facilitator, LAPD Mental Health Speaker and has a son with BiPolar I. Told by a doctor that her son was a lost cause this mother-bear fiercely and relentlessly got her son help and today he’s living a productive life. Mama Robin deserves a big bear-hug!
Episode 5 - 09/14/2020: Marla and Dave Thomas
“The Show Must Go On,” is the philosophy from our principled hosts, Marla and Dave, as they both individually support their beloved fathers during their respective end-of-life passages. This episode begins the reveal and process of their private world as parents dealing with mental health. Their tender hearts motivate them as a solid team providing a positive difference by helping others who need to recognize, accept, and manage mental illness.
Episode 4 - 08/31/2020: Jim Randall
Jim Randall, as a child was terrorized by his older sibling who suffered from severe mental illness, rendering him helpless. As an adult, he found NAMI and dived into volunteering transcending fear and arriving at peace of mind. He’s currently on the California State Board, NAMI Training Coordinator for LAPD, and compiles all the news that's fit to print for our weekly NAMI SFV e-newsletter.
Episode 3 - 08/24/2020: Moniece Slaughter
Moniece Slaughter, daughter of Marla Thomas and stepfather Dave Thomas, is best known as the star of Love & Hip Hop Hollywood from ’13 - ’19, and singer/songwriter who sang the theme song for America's Next Top Model, which Dave Thomas wrote and produced. Part of Moniece's appeal besides her celebrity status is she's plain-spoken, revealing insight into her mental-illness recovery progress.
Episode 2 - 08/17/2020: Kim Bunnell
Kim Bunnell, our wonderful President of NAMI Greater Los Angeles County, candidly talks about how helping his best friend's son who has mental illness motivated him to be president. His truthful story-telling provides an opportunity for anyone to reflect and examine the importance of being involved in a community that makes the world a better place.
Episode 1 - 08/10/2020: Sabu Terry & Elisa Delatorre
Sabu Terry & Elisa Delatorre bravely open up about how they learned to navigate the difficult job of caring for loved ones with mental illness while striving to keep their relationship mentally healthy. These two provide encouragement to those struggling to maintain "couple-love" while learning new ways to lovingly care for mentally ill loved ones.
Pilot Episode 1: Leah Messer
Leah Messer is famously known for being in the hit TV show, "Teen Mom" and her published memoir, "Hope, Grace, and Faith". On this episode of MHM, Leah shares with us her own personal experiences as a teen mom and how it affected her mental health, as well as what it was like being in the spotlight at a young age.
Pilot Episode 2: Mark Gale
Mark Gale, a bright everyday businessman, is from our very own NAMI GLAC, and also a Criminal Justice Chair Member. He shares his harrowing story about his mentally ill son’s experiences with the criminal court system. Mark’s transparency provides conviction and hope for anyone who is currently scared and frustrated with properly navigating the criminal court system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_7HcwNBX_k