This week on Mental Fitness, I’m sharing part two of my conversation with former Marine Corps K9 handler Alfred Brenner. We get into the growing mental health crisis and the increasing suicide rates among men. Alfred opens up about his experiences overseas, the trauma he faced, and the meaningful lessons he’s gained about recovery, strength, and moving forward.

This week on Mental Fitness, I'm joined once again by the team from the Rider Counseling Center. They introduce themselves and their roles, and share what the Counseling Center offers students including different therapy approaches, helpful advice, and upcoming on campus events.

This week on Mental Fitness, host Sean Higgins sits down with Alfred Brenner, a Marine Corps K9 handler and author of Surviving with Grief. Together, they explore the critical topics of suicide awareness, the rising rates of suicide among men, and the impact of PTSD. Alfred shares insights on finding purpose and resilience, both for everyday life and for those transitioning from military service. He also delves into his personal journey and the lessons behind his book, offering hope and practical guidance for anyone facing grief, loss, or challenges with mental health.

On this episode of Mental Fitness I am honored to be joined once again by Eric Van Eck of the TCNJ Intercollegiate Recovery Program. Eric has made tremendous strides in his recovery journey and has a lot of valuable information to offer to those struggling with motivation and focus. On this episode I attempt to bring up some interesting topics regarding overstimulation and lack of focus. Please enjoy!

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined once again by Luis Del Orbe, assistant executive director at The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. He shares powerful and unsettling stories from anonymous individuals he has worked with, shedding light on the harsh realities of gambling addiction and raising awareness of this increasingly destructive habit.

On this episode of Mental Fitness, I'm joined by Corina Palagruto, a registered dietitian at Capital Health's Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. She shares her expert insights on quick and easy snack options that are healthier than our usual choices and perfect for fueling students as the school year kicks off.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined once again by Odalys Arias, a licensed social worker with YouPsych LLC. In the second half of our conversation, we dive deeper into her role and tackle some of the most common misconceptions about therapy. From breaking down stigmas to offering insight into what therapy really looks like, this episode continues our thoughtful exploration of mental health and the importance of seeking support.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined once again by the Counseling Center here at Rider University. They’ll give a quick breakdown of how they help students stay mentally strong and share some tips on cutting back social media, limiting phone use, and getting better sleep. Catch it all this Friday on 107.7 The Bronc.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m sharing the second half of my conversation with Chris Bizzarro, licensed therapist and owner of YouPsych LLC. In this episode, we dive into cognitive dissonance, the ways people self-medicate to cope with inner conflict, and the importance of reaching out for help.

We’re thrilled to be welcoming back Anthony T. Jackson, a certified Tai Chi instructor, to the show. This time, he’s diving even deeper into the transformative power of Tai Chi, breaking down lingering misconceptions and highlighting its vital role in modern mental and physical wellness.

On this episode of Mental Fitness, Gary T, a licensed childhood and family therapist, joins me for an in-depth conversation on the lasting effects of the pandemic and the powerful role social media plays in shaping the mental health of today’s younger generation.

This week on Mental Fitness, Malissa Arnold from the Mercer Council on Alcoholism & Drug Addiction and the Prevent Coalition of Mercer County joins us to discuss the importance of tracking your alcohol serving size and how overconsumption can impact both your physical health and overall well-being.

On this episode of Mental Fitness, I sit down with members of the TCNJ Collegiate Recovery Community for a powerful and insightful conversation. In this first segment, we focus on the vital role support groups play in recovery and explore the meaningful impact the Collegiate Recovery Program has on the lives of those who take part in it. Along the way, we touch on personal struggles with addiction, the healing power of vulnerability, and the importance of emotional expression.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined by licensed social worker Odalys Arias to explore the value of therapy. She shares insights from her professional experience and explains why therapy is not something to fear, but rather a supportive and welcoming space for growth.

This week on Mental Fitness, I'm joined by Chris Bizzaro, owner of YouPsych LLC, to explore the importance and benefits of therapy, and to break down the stigmas that still surround it

This week on Mental Fitness, I'm joined by the Rider Counseling Center to explore cognitive distortions - what they are, the support the center provides, and how you can reach out for help.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of dopamine detox and the importance of monitoring negative intake in our lives. Joined by Eric Van Eck, a person with a remarkable recovery journey, we explore how our daily habits, social media consumption, and mental patterns can impact our well-being. We discuss practical strategies for resetting our dopamine levels, building healthier routines, and making intentional choices to reduce negativity. Tune in for valuable insights on how to regain control over your mind and improve your mental fitness.

This week, I’m speaking with a licensed family therapist, Gary, about social media’s negative impact and the overwhelming spread of political misinformation affecting young people.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined by Luis Del Orbe, Assistant Executive Director at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. With March Madness approaching, he discusses the dangers of sports betting and gambling, and the work his organization does to address these issues.

This week on Mental Fitness, I’m joined by the Rider Counseling Center to explore the resources they offer and share healthy habits to help students navigate the demands of the semester.