Zandra Polard hosts a mental health show featuring Dr. Julia Kannard, Clinical Director of Sun Arch Academy, which treats adolescents aged 12-17 with various mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. The facility has 58 beds, aiming to operate at 53 to accommodate individual needs. Therapy sessions are 90 days, focusing on realistic goals. The academy offers residential treatment, with plans to expand to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. They emphasize family involvement, with 12 family therapy sessions over 90 days. The academy also offers telehealth for family sessions if needed.
Zandra Polard and Arianna discuss the challenges of implementing gentle parenting in educational settings. They highlight the benefits of gentle parenting, such as improved parent-child relationships and emotional regulation, but note the difficulty in managing multiple children and maintaining classroom order. Arianna emphasizes the importance of teaching children coping mechanisms and tenacity. They also discuss the cultural differences in education, comparing American and South Korean classrooms. Additionally, they touch on the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) and the use of calming tools like calm corners and sensory items to help children self-regulate.
Dr. David Gennis, guest hosting for Zondra Pollard, discusses identity formation with musician Mykee Wattz. Mykee shares his journey from classical music to hip hop, highlighting the challenges of hiding his sexuality and the impact of early fame. He recounts struggles with drugs, alcohol, and identity, leading to depression and internal conflict. Mykee's transition to authenticity involved marriage and personal growth, despite setbacks. They explore the importance of emotional regulation, mental health education, and the balance between honesty and tact. Mykee emphasizes the need for acceptance and forgiveness in personal development.
Dr. David Gennis, guest hosting "It's Where I Am" on 91.5 FM, discusses self-care with Carlos Padilla, activities director at Great Mind Counseling and Wellness Center. They emphasize that self-care extends beyond superficial activities, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Carlos shares practical tips, like taking breaks and engaging in physical activities like gym workouts, which boost endorphins and improve mood. David highlights the importance of emotional regulation and setting boundaries. They also discuss the impact of a therapist's mood on clients and the benefits of hobbies and journaling for mental and spiritual self-care.
Dr. David Gennis hosts a special episode of "It's Where I Am" featuring Edward Cervantes, a sex trafficking survivor turned certified mediator and restorative justice practitioner. Edward shares his journey from being kicked out of his home at 13, dropping out of school, and facing homelessness to overcoming these challenges and achieving academic success with a 99.98 GPA in mediation and restorative justice. He discusses the importance of initiative, the impact of the Violence Against Women Act, and the need for better support systems for victims of sex trafficking. Edward also highlights the significance of holistic care and the role of advocacy in promoting restorative justice.
Zandra Polard hosts a discussion on mental health and wellness, focusing on COVID-19 vaccination attitudes among older adults. Eric, a pediatric physician, and Chiquita, a gerontologist, discuss the personal nature of vaccine decisions, noting a general fatigue among older adults. They emphasize the importance of self-care, including sleep, diet, exercise, stress management, and social connections. Eric highlights the success of vaccines in reducing diseases like measles and the importance of parental self-care for their children's health. They also touch on the benefits and limitations of telehealth, advocating for informed patient-doctor communication and regular wellness checks.
The discussion focused on asthma in pediatric populations, particularly among African Americans, highlighting its inflammatory nature and genetic predisposition. Key preventive measures include awareness, identifying triggers, and maintaining a healthy diet to avoid obesity. Regular well checks and vaccinations are crucial for newborns and elders. The conversation also addressed ageism, advocating for the term "older adults" over "seniors." Chiquita emphasized the importance of education and caregiving for older adults, including those with dementia, and stressed the need for early diagnosis and proper care. The program concluded with a reminder to tune in for part two.
The discussion on "It's Where I Am" focused on mental health, civil unrest, and the impact of news consumption on anxiety and depression. Host Zandra Polard and guests Wes Knight and Jinx Diaz discussed the recent peaceful protests, including the No Kings Day event with 5 million participants. They highlighted the correlation between negative news and mental health, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks from constant news exposure. The conversation also covered the fears and challenges faced by the Latino community, including the financial burden of maintaining U.S. citizenship and the misuse of power by ICE. Practical advice included staying informed, knowing one's rights, and maintaining community connections to support mental well-being.
The discussion on "It's Where I Am" focused on the mental health impact of civil unrest, particularly the No Kings Day protests. Zandra Polard, Wes Knight, and Daniel Isaiah Elias, aka AM, discussed the emotional toll on families and the lack of therapeutic support. They compared the current unrest to past events like the Rodney King riots and highlighted the systemic issues driving protests. The conversation also touched on the historical context of fascism in America, the economic impact of COVID-19, and the destabilization of regulatory bodies. They emphasized the importance of education, activism, and community support in addressing these challenges.
Zandra Polard and an anonymous guest discuss autism, its spectrum, and misconceptions. The guest emphasizes the lack of definitive causes for autism, mentioning theories like paternal age and in-utero factors. He highlights successful cases like Elon Musk and Bill Gates, noting their high-functioning autism. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, with treatment including speech, occupational therapy, and ABA. The conversation shifts to mental health, focusing on the use of Metformin for weight management in patients on antidepressants. The importance of self-referral for therapy and recognizing mental health issues early is stressed, along with the need for better communication among medical professionals.
The discussion focused on the Altadena fires, highlighting the community's multi-racial harmony and the devastating impact of the fires. The fires, which affected 161 historically reviewed homes, were attributed to Edison's negligence, with the tower's sensor going off 87 times. The conversation also touched on the lack of government and insurance company support, the historical significance of Altadena, and the challenges residents face in rebuilding. The speaker emphasized the need for better resources and support, particularly from insurance companies and the government, to help the community recover.
Zandra Polard discusses water pollution with environmental scientist Amber Smith, focusing on stormwater pollution. Amber explains that acid rain, caused by air pollution, can be harmful to forests and aquatic life. She highlights that untreated stormwater picks up pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides, which directly affect waterways and sea life. Amber emphasizes the importance of choosing organic and local produce to reduce pesticide runoff. She also discusses the varying state regulations for stormwater pollution prevention and the impact of industrial facilities. The conversation also touches on the benefits of spring water over purified water and the misconceptions around alkaline water.
Natasha McCrea, an author, director, and empowerment strategist, discusses the importance of self-care and breaking free from the "hamster wheel" of life. She emphasizes creating personalized self-care routines and the significance of accountability. Natasha shares her method of blocking two hours on one's calendar for self-care and the concept of "pattern interrupts" to break habitual behaviors. She also highlights the need for women to prioritize themselves to avoid burnout and achieve their goals. Additionally, Natasha talks about her whiskey brand, Jackson McCrea, which aims to disrupt the male-dominated whiskey market by catering to women's preferences.
Zandra Polard hosts a radio show featuring her son, Roman Anderson, and his friends, Teyshaun and Kayvon. Roman, moving to Georgia, discusses his nervousness about leaving home for an extended period. Teyshaun shares his challenges of being away from Hawaii, while Kayvon reflects on his socially awkward nature. They discuss their friendships, formed online and in school, and their future plans. Teyshaun is studying finance at UNLV, inspired by his parents' business. Kayvon prefers blue-collar work, having tried being a CNA. Roman aims to pursue YouTube and streaming, motivated by the move. Zandra expresses her nervousness about Roman leaving but supports his independence.
Zandra Polard interviews Lauren Tallman, a writer known for her erotica, including her latest book, "Harem of the Dragon." Tallman discusses her journey from writing short stories to founding the Erotic Writers Group of Las Vegas. She describes "Harem of the Dragon," set in 15th-century China, detailing the life of a eunuch named Long in the Emperor's harem. Tallman emphasizes the importance of sensuality and research in her work, sharing insights into historical accuracy and the emotional depth of her characters. She also touches on her column "Seniors Still Do It," advocating for sensuality in relationships at any age.
Zandra Polard hosts a discussion with Brionna Hines, president of the Southern Nevada chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). Hines explains bipolar disorder, its types (I and II), and symptoms, including manic and depressive episodes. She highlights the importance of medication, therapy, and coping mechanisms. Hines also discusses the role of DBSA in providing support and resources, including peer-led groups and warm lines for non-crisis support. She emphasizes the need for understanding and validation, especially for those experiencing depressive symptoms. Hines also mentions the challenges of medication adjustments and the stigma around mental health treatment.
Daniel Isaiah Elias, also known as AM, discussed his journey of discovering his father's adoption and his own family roots, which led to a name change in 2022. He emphasized the importance of mental health and wellness, inspired by his mentally ill mother, through his website, Genius Only, which offers music, clothing, books, and health products. Daniel shared his experiences performing in London with DJ AG and his focus on creating personal music. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the younger generation due to social media and technology, advocating for resilience and purpose. Daniel concluded by performing a rap piece.
Zandra Polard and Madison Gulli discuss the impact of menopause on sexual health. Gulli explains that perimenopause, which can last 5-10 years, often starts in the 40s and includes symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues with healthcare providers, noting that traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been debunked and that bioidentical hormones are now recommended. Gulli also highlights the need for lifestyle changes, such as prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet, and stresses the importance of communication with partners and maintaining social connections.
Dr. G, a mental health professional, discusses his work with patients suffering from severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, at Great Mind Counseling and Wellness Center in Las Vegas. He highlights the success of their wraparound program, which aims to reduce recidivism and hospital admissions by providing outpatient care and transportation. The center serves up to 85 patients daily. Dr. G also announces the expansion to San Bernardino, California, where they have already started seeing patients. He emphasizes the importance of addressing trauma and mental health issues, encouraging individuals to seek help and utilize available resources, including health insurance.
Mark Thomas and his fiancée Kelly have been victims of harassment and assault by their neighbor since 2019. Despite filing multiple police reports and complaints, the city prosecutor and police ignored their pleas. On October 2, 2022, six people assaulted Mark and Kelly. Despite being the victim, Mark was falsely accused by the city prosecutor. Mark was later shot by the neighbor while trying to get help. The neighbor, who has a history of violence, was only jailed for a week. Mark and Kelly, an interracial couple, face ongoing harassment and are struggling financially. They are seeking justice through media and legal channels, using the hashtag #JusticeForMarkAndKelly.