Hope Illuminated Podcast: Helping the Helpers Bring Light to Life’s Darkest Moments
By Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas
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Category: Mental Health
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Episodes: 153
Description
Welcome to the Hope Illuminated Podcast, your source for the stories, science and strategy of suicide prevention, mental health promotion and resilience where we live, learn, and work. I’m your host, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, and I am on a life mission to empower communities with solutions that help people overcome isolation and despair and rekindle a passion for living. Each episode we’re joined by international experts who inspire hope and offer real guidance. Welcome to the show! I am so grateful you are here.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
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The Youth Suicide Prevention Breakthrough We’ve Been Waiting For: The Sources of Strength Story
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Jul 29, 2025 |
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The Power of Time -- Slowing Down to Save Lives in Suicide Prevention with Gergö Hadlaczky
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Jul 08, 2025 |
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Technology of Survival -- How Emotions Like Fear, Grief, Anger, and Guilt Keep Us Alive with Russell Peterson
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Jun 24, 2025 |
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Time to Get Noisy -- What Construction Can Teach Us About Suicide Prevention in Every Industry with Sebastian Ison-Jacques
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Jun 10, 2025 |
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Uncovering Hidden Stories: Psychological Autopsies and Suicide Prevention in Middle Aged Adults with Dr. Eva De Jaegere
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May 27, 2025 |
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Meeting People Where They Are: A Global Vision for Suicide Prevention with Dr. Sandersan Onie
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May 20, 2025 |
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From Grief to Advocacy: Young Voices Changing Mental Health Conversations with Alex Bush
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May 13, 2025 |
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Surviving and Thriving: Intersection of Identity, Mental Health, and Trans Resilience with Lyseria Kursave
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Apr 29, 2025 |
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Unlocking Agency in Suicide Prevention with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma
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Apr 22, 2025 |
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The Power of Testament: Addressing Social Justice in Mental Health Research with Dr. Simon Hatcher
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Apr 08, 2025 |
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Upstream Suicide Prevention: Changing Lives Using the Good Behavior Game with Dr. Holly Wilcox
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Apr 01, 2025 |
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How Scotland's Panel Is Shaping Suicide Prevention with Personal Insights from Keir McKechnie & Seonaid Stallan
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Mar 25, 2025 |
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Addressing Generational Trauma in Indigenous Communities with John Cornelius
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Mar 11, 2025 |
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The Power of Multilingual Support in Recovery with Dr. Pierluigi Mancini | Ep. 139
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Mar 04, 2025 |
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Empowerment Matters: How Understanding Personal Agency Can Transform Suicide Prevention with Luke Bayless EP 138
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Feb 18, 2025 |
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Supporting Communities In The Aftermath of Suicide. Why We Need To Be Proactive with Barb Smith EP 137
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Feb 11, 2025 |
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One Minute To Save Lives – Teaming Up with Pediatricians and Families to Keep Kids Safe with Dr. Rinad Beidas | Ep. 136
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Jan 28, 2025 |
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Transforming Medical Culture: Dr. Christine Yu Moutier's Mission for Mental Health and Self-Care | Ep. 135
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Jan 21, 2025 |
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Top 5 Episodes of 2024: Hope Illuminated Podcast Highlights & What's Ahead for 2025
|
Dec 27, 2024 |
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The Power of Storytelling in Suicide Prevention: Insights from Stefanie Kirchner | Ep. 134
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Dec 17, 2024 |
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New Frontlines: Trends in Veterans' Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Success with Dr. Joe Geraci | Ep. 133
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Nov 05, 2024 |
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Perfectly Hidden Depression | Interview with Dr. Margaret Rutherford | Episode 132
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Oct 22, 2024 |
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From Service to Civilian: Addressing Mental Health Stigma and Veteran Suicide with Rachel Oswalt
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Sep 24, 2024 |
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Suicide Risk among Healthcare Workers with Christopher Wojnar | 130
|
Aug 20, 2024 |
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Pain, Opioids, Addiction, and Suicide – It’s Complicated with Dr. Stefan Kertesz | 129
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Jul 30, 2024 |
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The Bipolar General – Resilience and Recovery with Major General Greg Martin | 128
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Jul 02, 2024 |
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Masculinity, Mental Health, & Suicide with Simon Tyler | 126
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Jun 11, 2024 |
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Compassion, Connection and Recovery Intention – How Faith Communities Can Best Support People Impacted by Suicide with Shannon Parkin | 127
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Jun 04, 2024 |
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Technology for Mental Health Equity, Bianca McCall | 125
|
May 07, 2024 |
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Ashtanga Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Dr. Jessa Navidé | Episode 124
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Mar 23, 2024 |
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Neurodiversity and Suicide -- A Mother's Search for Answers: Interview with Dr. Jessica Revill : Episode 123
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Feb 17, 2024 |
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How Faith Communities and Mental Health Advocates Can Partner to Create Soul Safe Spaces: Interview with David Galvan | Episode 122
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Jan 09, 2024 |
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CAMS -- The Four Cornerstones of Managing Suicidal Risk: Interview with Dr. David Jobes | Episode 121
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Nov 21, 2023 |
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It Happens to Men Too -- An Honest Discussion about Men and Eating Disorders: Interview with Ross Sonnenblick | Episode 120
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Nov 07, 2023 |
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Man Kind -- Modernizing Masculinity Promotes Men's Mental Health in the Age of Kenergy: Interview with Dr. Zachary Gerdes | Episode 119
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Aug 01, 2023 |
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Sinkhole -- Reflections on Generational Suicide: Interview with Juliet Patterson | Episode 118
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Jun 12, 2023 |
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Understanding Adoption through a Trauma-Informed Lens: Interview with Lina Vanegas | Episode 117
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May 09, 2023 |
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The Long Tail of Trauma -- Adverse Childhood Experiences and Suicide: Interview with Corey Jones | Episode 116
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Apr 12, 2023 |
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Teacher Burn-Out is a Mental Health Crisis: Interview with Dr. Natalya Bogopolskaya & Dr. Kendrea Hart | Episode 115
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Mar 08, 2023 |
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When You Work in Suicide Prevention and Someone Close to You Dies by Suicide: Interview with Dr. Dan Reidenberg | Episode 114
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Feb 07, 2023 |
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Impactful Ways Caring Adults and Youth Collaborate in Suicide Prevention: Interview with the Liv Project | Episode 113
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Jan 03, 2023 |
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Resilience Humor - Using Laughter to Heal from Pain: Interview with Mike Cotayo | Episode 112
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Nov 17, 2022 |
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The Pause - Rebooting after Reflection | Episode 111
|
Nov 07, 2022 |
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Lived Experience Informed Workplace Mental Health Strategies - Part 2: How to Co-Design a Comprehensive Approach Interview with James Hill |
|
Jun 15, 2022 |
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Lived Experience Informed Workplace Mental Health Strategies - Part 1: From Pain to Purpose: Interview with James Hill | Episode 109
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May 04, 2022 |
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Strengthening Suicide Prevention Efforts through Caring for the Caregivers: Interview with Johanna Louie | Episode 108
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Apr 06, 2022 |
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Opportunities in Intersectionality - Race, Gender, Sexuality, Ability & Mental Health: Interview with Emily Unity | Episode 107
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Mar 17, 2022 |
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People with Disabilities and Suicide Prevention -- A Human Rights Conversation: Interview with Sheryl Boswell and Lisa Morgan | Episode 106
|
Feb 28, 2022 |
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Poetry as an Antidote to Burnout: A Nurse's Perspective on Healing Practices
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Feb 08, 2022 |
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Shoebox of Memories -- Reflections on Hierarchies of Grief, Decades after Losing a Classmate to Suicide: Interview with Candace Opper | Epis
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Jan 27, 2022 |
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Workplace Violence Prevention - A Holistic Approach: Interview with Faith Kohler | Episode 103
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Jan 12, 2022 |
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Emotionally Naked -- How Can Caring Adults Prevent Youth Suicide?: Interview with Dr. Kim O'Brien | Episode 102
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Dec 21, 2021 |
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A Different Drummer -- Mental Health, Diversity and Inclusion and Corporate Wellness: Interview with Mike Veny | Episode 101
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Dec 05, 2021 |
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Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Allison Milner: Interview with Professor Tony LaMontagne | Episode 100
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Nov 16, 2021 |
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What if Suicide Prevention is Simple? Crisis Response Planning: Interview with Dr. Craig Bryan | Episode 99
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Nov 02, 2021 |
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High Potency Marijuana, Cannabis-Induced Psychosis and a Mother's Nightmare: Interview with Laura Stack | Episode 98
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Oct 13, 2021 |
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Empowering Young People, Strengthening Schools & Mobilizing Communities: Interview with John MacPhee | Episode 97
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Sep 29, 2021 |
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Meet Them Where They Are At: Social Media and Suicide Prevention for Youth
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Sep 15, 2021 |
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Tell a More Powerful Tale -- Shifting the Narrative of Suicide Prevention by Engaging People with Lived Experience: Interview with Bronwen E
|
Aug 26, 2021 |
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Strengthening Your Spiritual Core - Practices to Create a Fun and Fulfilling Life: Interview with Kate Eckman | Episode 94
|
Jul 27, 2021 |
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Coping with Suicidal Thoughts -- A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Interview with Dr. Katie Gordon | Episode 92
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Jul 04, 2021 |
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Grant Us the Serenity -- The Gifts of Long-Term Recovery: Interview with Dennis Berry | Episode
|
Jul 01, 2021 |
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Healing is More than Talk Therapy -- Expanding Our Models of Care as We Look to Better Serve Our AAPI Communities: Interview with Dr. DJ Ida
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Jun 16, 2021 |
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On Being Fearless -- Intimate Partner Violence, Women Empowerment & Well-Being: Interview with J'Anmetra "JoJo" Waddell | Episode 90
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Jun 02, 2021 |
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Unplugged -- How to Reconnect with Nature in the Digital Age: Interview with Sebastian Slovin | Episode 89
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May 18, 2021 |
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Train the Brain -- Daily Practices to Disrupt Negative Thoughts and Build Healthier Pathways: Interview with Johnny Crowder | Episode 88
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May 04, 2021 |
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Historical Trauma and Historical Healing: Interview with Abigail Echo Hawk | Episode 87
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Apr 20, 2021 |
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The Gaming Community and Suicide Prevention: Interview with Fenway Jones | Episode 86
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Apr 13, 2021 |
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Suicide Research to Practice -- Closing the Gap: Interview with Prof. Nav Kapur | Episode 85
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Apr 06, 2021 |
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Transformational Leadership in Suicide Prevention -- Lessons Learned from the Construction Industry: Interview with Jerry Shupe | Episode 84
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Mar 30, 2021 |
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Couple Care -- Tools to Rock Your Relationship: Interview with Lisa Stull | Episode 83
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Mar 26, 2021 |
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Suicide is the Untold Story of Gun Violence in the US -- Why Gun Safety is Suicide Prevention: Interview with Dr. Michael Anestis | Episode
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Mar 23, 2021 |
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Finding Opportunities in Conflict -- How to Communicate Effectively When Friction Disrupts High Stakes Relationships: Interview with Lisa St
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Mar 02, 2021 |
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A Thriving Hive -- How to Cultivate Employee Engagement and Workplace Well-Being: Interview with Mari Ryan | Episode 80
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Feb 16, 2021 |
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Turn Off the Alarm Bells -- How to Prioritize Civility in a Divisive World: Interview with Sejal Thakkar | Episode 79
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Feb 02, 2021 |
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Intersectionality & Historical Trauma -- 3 Insights for Resilience: Interview with Dr. Tammy Sanders | Episode 78
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Jan 19, 2021 |
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From Toxicity to Tranquility -- Prioritizing Personal Peace: Interview with Reggie Hubbard | Episode 77
|
Jan 05, 2021 |
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"What Do You Do?" -- Reflecting on Work, Identity & Well-Being: Interview with Scott Mason | Episode 76
|
Dec 22, 2020 |
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5 Ways to Help Grieving Children Cope During the Holidays: Interview with Dr. Micki Burns | Episode 75
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Dec 08, 2020 |
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Setting Our Kids Up for Life Success -- Social and Emotional Learning in Our Classrooms: Interview with Dr. Julian Dooley | Episode 74
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Nov 24, 2020 |
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Critical Suicide Theory and Research -- From the Gender Paradox to Cultural Scripts of Suicidal Behaviors: Interview with Professor Silvia S
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Nov 10, 2020 |
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Critical Suicidology: Why Our Traditional Approaches in Suicide Prevention Have Failed and Finding Alternatives
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Oct 27, 2020 |
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Crisis Services & People of Color -- We Can Do Better: Interview with Vic Armstrong
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Oct 12, 2020 |
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Psychosocial Hazards on the Job -- Listening to the Voices of Suicidal Workers: Interview with Professor Sarah Waters | Episode 70
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Sep 29, 2020 |
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Suicide in a Global Context -- Perspectives from the President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention: Interview with Dr. M
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Sep 09, 2020 |
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Building Bridges at the Crossroads of Suicide Prevention -- Leadership Call to Action: Interview with Dr. Jonathan Singer | Episode 68
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Aug 25, 2020 |
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Storytelling in Community -- Lifting Up the Voices of People with Lived Experience: Interview with Jennifer Marshall | Episode 67
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Aug 11, 2020 |
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The "How" of Suicide -- Why the "Means Matter": Interview with Catherine Barber, Elaine Frank & Shelby Kuhn | Episode 66
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Jul 28, 2020 |
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Workplace Suicide Prevention Training: Interview with Gabriela Malafaia | Episode 65
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Jul 14, 2020 |
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Human Rights and Mental Health -- Justice Speaks: Interview with Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren | Episode 64
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Jun 23, 2020 |
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Black Men, the Uneven Playing Field and Mental Health -- Perspectives from a Former NFL Player: Interview with Dwight Hollier | Episode 63
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Jun 16, 2020 |
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Myth Busting -- Fatherhood, Fact Checking and Men's Mental Health: Interview with Josh Levs | Episode 62
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Jun 09, 2020 |
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9 Tactics to Stay Present When Life is Uncertain: Interview with Hugh Ingalls | Episode 61
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May 26, 2020 |
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Coping with Anxiety and Loneliness through Digital Health: Interview with Dr. Nathaan Demers | Episode 60
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May 12, 2020 |
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Leading Others to Resilience -- 3 Ways to Accelerate Organizational Recovery During Crisis: Interview with Bob VandePol | Episode 59
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Apr 28, 2020 |
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How to Fight Soul Exhaustion -- Soul Care During Difficult Times: Interview with Sarah Gaer | Episode 58
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Apr 14, 2020 |
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Leadership's Role in Workplace Mental Health -- Inspiring a Collective Mindset of Care: Interview with Cal Beyer | Episode 57
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Mar 31, 2020 |
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Recovery is Community - Men, Addiction, and moving off Mach Island: Rourke Weaver Ep. 56
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Mar 18, 2020 |
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Living with Depression Where It's Hard to Share: Interview with Cameron Stout | Episode 55
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Mar 04, 2020 |
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Emotional Intelligence at Work -- Building Trust and Transparency Leadership Skills: Interview with Brent Darnell | Episode 54
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Feb 18, 2020 |
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Gratitude in Action -- How To Practice Gratitude and Unlock Happiness: Interview with Justin Kruger | Episode 53
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Feb 04, 2020 |
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But I Didn’t Say Goodbye -- Helping Families After a Suicide: Interview with Barbara Rubel | Episode 52
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Jan 21, 2020 |
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Wellness at Work — What the Fire Service Can Teach Us about Creating a Kitchen Table Culture: Interview with Captain Dena Ali | Episode 51
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Jan 07, 2020 |
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The Human Side of Crisis Management: Interview with Tricia Kagerer | Episode 50
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Dec 17, 2019 |
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Social Media, SEO & Suicide: How Can We Intervene On-Line When People Have Lost Hope?
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Dec 03, 2019 |
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When Therapists Have Lived through Suicide Intensity -- Deep Insights on Helping the Suicidal Person: Interview with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal
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Nov 19, 2019 |
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Teens Bereaved by Suicide -- Moving Forward When You Feel Left Behind: Interview with Jason Holzer | Episode 47
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Nov 05, 2019 |
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The Forgotten Mourners — Disenfranchised Grief of Siblings Bereaved by Suicide: Interview with Dr. Lena Heilmann | Episode 46
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Oct 22, 2019 |
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Global Perspectives on World Suicide Prevention -- Taking a Glimpse inside the World Congress of the International Association for Suicide
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Oct 08, 2019 |
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Suicide and Culture -- Arts, Religion and Social Justice: Interview with Dr. Erminia Colucci | Episode 44
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Sep 24, 2019 |
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Working Together to Prevent Suicide: What the World Can Learn on World Suicide Prevention Day” Episode 43 with Professor Rory O'Conner
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Sep 10, 2019 |
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Cutting through the Clutter — How to Effectively Get your Message of Suicide Prevention Heard: Interview with Dr. Bart Andrews | Episode 42
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Aug 27, 2019 |
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Join the Social Movement of Suicide Prevention -- Welcoming the New and Needed Voices: Interview with Colleen Creighton | Episode 41
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Aug 13, 2019 |
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"Why Would God Do This?" -- Faith, Religion and Suicide: Interview with Dr. Melinda Moore | Episode 40
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Jul 23, 2019 |
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"We are Still Here" -- Culture is Prevention in Tribal Communities: I Shelby Rowe | Episode 39
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Jul 09, 2019 |
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A New Frontier in Workplace Safety : TJ Lyons | Episode 35
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Jul 02, 2019 |
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Be Vocal, Be Visible, Be Visionary : Chris Carlough | Episode 34
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Jul 02, 2019 |
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What We Can Do To Address the Opioid Crisis and Its Relationship to Suicide: Dr. Don Teater | Ep 33
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Jul 02, 2019 |
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What the Body and Brain Tell us about Suicide Risk : Interview with Dr. Matt Nock | Episode 32
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Jul 02, 2019 |
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Brain Science and Storytelling : Interview with Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona | Episode 31
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Jul 02, 2019 |
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Suicide & The Workplace : Interview with Dr. Allison Milner | Episode 30
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Jul 02, 2019 |
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Peer Support & The Helper Effect When Doing Good Feels Good: Interview with Lt. John Coppedge Ep 29
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Jul 02, 2019 |
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A Warrior for Wellness One Man’s Epic Battle for Recovery: Interview with Gabe Howard | Episode 28
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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The A-Ha of the Ha-Ha -- 5 Ways Humor Helps Our Well-Being: Interview with Frank King | Episode 27
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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Healing after Murder-Suicide Mother of Columbine Shooter Shares Grief Journey: Sue Klebold Ep 26
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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A Journey from Suicide Bereavement to Action: Master Sergeant Christopher D. Jachimiec | Ep 25
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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The Unimaginable Grief Parents Bereaved by their Children’s Suicide: Dr. Sharon McDonnell | Ep 24
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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Ashes in the Ocean -- Men and Suicide Grief: Interview with Sebastian Slovin | Episode 23
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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Suicide Crisis Services What to Know When You Need a Lifeline: Jennifer Battle | Episode 22
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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The Resilience of Our Elders : Heidi Bryan and Dr. Yeates Conwell Ep 21
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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Disruptive System Change Tackling the Injustice of Suicide: Interview with John Mendoza | Episode 20
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Jul 01, 2019 |
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The 3 Cs of Suicide Crisis Response : Interview with Dr. John Draper Ep 19
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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The Papageno Effect : Interview with Dr. Thomas Niederkrotenthaler | Episode 18
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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Youth Change Makers Power, Empathy & Creativity Unleashed: Stan P. Collins | Episode 17
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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The New "Stop, Drop and Roll" : Interview with Dr. Ursula Whiteside | Episode 16
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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From Awareness to Action Best Practices in Training for Suicide Prevention: Dr. Paul Quinnett Ep 15
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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Owning Your Traumas 3 Ways to Live with Trauma with Love and Power: Jorge Narvaez | Episode 14
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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Resilience and the Transgender Community Living Out Loud: Interview with Iden Campbell | Episode 13
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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Promoting Mental Health through Sport: Interview with Sean McCarthy | Episode 12
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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Leadership, Strategy & System Change: Interview with Stuart Binstock & Michelle Walker | Episode 11
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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Sleep, Stress and the Science of the Mind-Body Connection: Whitney McKnight | Episode 10
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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3 Ways to Build Resilience at Work: Interview with Judge (Ret.) Mary McClatchey | Episode 8
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Jun 30, 2019 |
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Military Suicide Grief an Interview with Kim Ruocco | Episode 6
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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Making Meaning after a Mental Health or Suicide Crisis Dr. DeQuincy Lezine | Episode 7
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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What You Need to Know about Peer Support Eduardo Vega | Episode 9
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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What You Need to Know about Mental Health Crisis Response Strategy David Covington | Episode 4
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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How to Best Support Someone Living with a Mental Health Condition Kevin and Margaret Hines Ep 5
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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9 Tips for Effective Construction Suicide Prevention: Jorgen Gullestrup of MATES Ep 2
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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Storytelling and Suicide Prevention: “THE S WORD” Movie Producer Lisa Klein | Episode 3
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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Why are men so lonely? Preventing Deaths of Despair with Dr. Thomas Joiner | Episode 1
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Jun 29, 2019 |
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A New Age of On-Line Support - Jeff Dorchester and Dion Gonzales of iRel8.org | Episode 38
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Jun 25, 2019 |
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Lessons Learned from Colorado The Good Bad and Ugly of Marijuana and Mental Health Ben Cort Ep 37
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Jun 21, 2019 |
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The Role of Arts in Healing A Conversation with an Indigenous Trauma Survivor; Swil Kanim Episode 36
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Jun 06, 2019 |