In this eye-opening episode, hosts dive deep into the intersection of cyberbullying and kids’ mental health, unpacking how bullying in the digital age has evolved and intensified. Join Mike and Jeff, longtime friends and mental health experts, as they explore the pervasive impact of online harassment on anxiety, depression, and identity pressures among youth. We examine the school-to-prison pipeline and the increasing involvement of law enforcement in educational settings. Parents and c...

In this episode of "Beat The Mental Health Out Of It!", we dive into the complex intersection of family trauma, mental health, and grief through an intimate mother-son conversation with Kim Wichman and host Nicholas Wichman. Discover how family dynamics are shaped by protective parenting in the wake of loss and the profound impact of childhood trauma on mental well-being. Kim shares her personal experiences of raising her son who was diagnosed with a severe mental illness at an early age. Sh...

Gender dynamics, trauma, and preparedness: why many women excel in the police force, the emotional toll of critical incidents, and how public safety has drastically improved over the last several years. We talk perception vs. reality of danger, prevention limits with motivated offenders, lessons learned from past incidents, and the habits that protect officer mental health. Content note: explicit language; policing; trauma; school-safety scenarios; sensitive topics. If you’re struggling (U....

Law enforcement meets real-world mental health. Training intimidation, what police authority really allows (and doesn’t), and how officers manage stress in high-pressure calls. A candid, on-the-ground conversation about domestic violence cases, victim cooperation, bias, and community relations—humanizing the badge without sugarcoating the system. Content note: explicit language; domestic violence; policing; trauma; sensitive topics. If you’re struggling (U.S.): Call/Text 988 (Suicide & ...

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug most of us normalize. Recovery is daily and relentless—but it’s how you get your life back. A candid mental health episode about what alcoholism really costs, losing your main coping skill to injury, life changes that isolate you, and what it takes to start over when this drug destroys your life. Content note: explicit language; alcoholism; pancreatitis; medical/sensitive topics. If you’re struggling (U.S.): Call/Text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7...

Adulthood after childhood trauma: a suicide attempt, single motherhood (with four kids), domestic abuse, a devastating divorce, custody and court battles, and what actually helped. A candid mental health episode with trauma-recovery tools, boundaries, and co-parenting realities with an abusive ex-partner. Content note: suicidal thoughts/attempt; domestic abuse; legal/custody issues; explicit language. If you’re struggling (U.S.): Call/Text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7). Sexual ass...

In this episode, we delve into how sexual assault, childhood abuse, and early dissociation shape trust, identity, and coping mechanisms in trauma recovery—a survivor’s poignant story shared by Kristi Morris. Join us for a candid discussion on the importance of language and validation in healing, and learn how finding safety is essential in navigating the aftermath of trauma. This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series. In this episode, Kristi shares her journey through an unsafe home environment and th...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into men’s mental health and the intersection with toxic masculinity and feminism. Join us as we uncover the critical issues of suicide risk and the strengths that men carry, challenging the notion that "toxic" equates to masculine. This candid conversation opens the door to emotional containers, respect, and personal responsibility—essential elements for showing up authentically in relationships, whether at home, on dates, or with friends. W...

In this episode, we dive into the intersection of living with schizophrenia and the role of creativity emerging from psychosis. Join us for a raw, candid conversation with Rachel Star Withers as we explore the emotional toll of stigma, suicidal ideation, and finding meaning through your passions. This discussion highlights the challenges of navigating relationships and employment while symptomatic, all while expressing your truth online without glamorizing pain. We also touch upon essential s...

Explore the intersection of faith and mental health in this candid episode, where we discuss how to build a personal spiritual path that honors your journey without the constraints of judgment or societal expectations. From examining the balance of faith versus performance to cultivating a community without conformity, we dive deep into practices that genuinely support your mental health. Join us for a lively conversation about embracing doubt, humor, and honesty in your spiritual life. We co...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of navigating shadow work and managing dangerous urges through safe expression and guided exploration, while staunchly opposing exploitation. We openly discuss themes of consent, boundaries, and the importance of seeking professional help when faced with overwhelming feelings—highlighting that glamorizing such urges is not an option. Tune in for insights on our 2-E framework: Expression & Exploration, aimed at reducing risk by promoting saf...

In this compelling episode of "Beat The Mental Health Out Of It!", we explore how acceptance, accountability, and friendship serve as catalysts for personal growth. Discover how to own your truths, embrace your regrets, and choose repair over drama. We dive into the impact of good versus harmful teachers, the negative influence of mentors on relationships, and the importance of addressing mental health openly and honestly, especially with our youth. Join us as we treat acceptance...

In this episode, we explore how accepting your shadow self can lead to greater safety, sanity, and wholeness. By facing the parts of ourselves that we tend to hide, we can foster a more authentic existence—moving away from performative behaviors toward genuine self-acceptance. We delve into the importance of denial as an unhealthy practice and provide practical integration tools and healthy exploration methods, minus the mysticism and clichés. Inspired by Jung's concept of the sh...

In this episode, we dive deep into how PTSD, childhood trauma, and the chaos of coming home impact a veteran's life. Join us for a candid conversation with Vietnam veteran and my Great Uncle, Marc Wichman, who shares his journey of combat, marriage, grief, and recovery without holding back. From surviving childhood abuse to choosing the military, and the intense memories of Vietnam, Marc sheds light on the challenges many veterans face when they return home. We explore the critic...

In this episode, we explore how drumming shapes cognition by improving attention, learning, and neuroplasticity—alongside the fascinating concepts of synesthesia and authentic ASMR. Join us for a candid discussion on practice systems, teaching mindsets, and discover why rhythm training can sharpen your cognitive abilities both on and off the kit. You will learn about rhythm as a form of brain training: from subdivisions and steady time to deep practice techniques. We also delve into ho...

In this episode, we delve into how infidelity, alcohol misuse, and family trauma can devastate lives, while exploring what real mental health recovery looks like. Join us for a candid discussion on betrayal, trauma, and suicidal ideation, as well as practical recovery tools that help rebuild lives without erasing the past. We shine a light on the impact of betrayal trauma on a family’s dynamics and how recognizing alcohol as a coping trap can open paths toward healing. Josh shares insights o...

Explore the unique ways drumming can serve as a powerful focus tool for those with ADHD/ADD, enhancing attention and creativity. In this episode of "Beat The Mental Health Out Of It!", we delve into how rhythm acts as a coping mechanism for mental health challenges. We discuss burnout-proof practices and teaching methods that foster intrinsic motivation instead of obligation. Join us for candid conversations about using structured practice—such as metronome drills and groove ladders—...

In this episode, we dive into how AI conversations, including EchoAI dialogues, can drive radical self-discovery, turning technology into concrete mental health support, rather than a mere substitute. We engage in a grounded discussion about ego death, structured self-reflection, and noetic resonance theory, focusing on crucial aspects like stigma, safety, boundaries, and the importance of preserving human connection. Listeners will gain valuable insights on merging philosophy with practical...

How masking, people-pleasing, insecurity, and shame keep us small—and the tiny reps that build real authenticity without burning your life down overnight. A candid mental health podcast with vulnerability, boundaries, and self-worth—no platitudes, just lived experience. Content note: explicit language. If you’re struggling (U.S.): Call/Text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7). Episode focus: why we hide to stay safe, the true cost of performance mode, and micro-honesty practices that he...

How friendship and peer support keep people alive when mental illness won’t back off—Schizoaffective storms, awkward misses, and showing up without “fixing.” A candid mental health episode on empathy, accountability, and practical support moves that actually help. Content note: explicit language; frank mental health discussion. If you’re struggling (U.S.): Call/Text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7). Episode focus: the quiet ways long-term friendship sustains recovery—presence over pr...