Whether it's a memory from middle school that you would most certainly like to forget, or the result of the seemingly endless pandemic world we are currently living in, it's safe to say we can all relate to the feelings of loneliness when the topic of friends are involved. After a TikTok by a stranger went viral, Marissa created the ultimate project - No More Lonely Friends. No More Lonely Friends was Marissa's way of creating community and connection between those that need it the most, and it has grown into something bigger than she ever imagined. You can connect with Marissa on Instagram, a ..read more

We have all seen the glitz and glam of Hollywood when celebrities walk the red carpet. For some, the red carpet fulfills their lifelong dream of being a Hollywood star, while others struggle with the expectations that come along with this role. For this episode, we sat down with Chris Trondsen, a news host, therapist, and advocate for mental health. Chris shared pieces of his journey struggling with BDD and OCD, which eventually led him to pursue a psychology degree to become a therapist to help those just like him. You can connect with Chris on X, Instagram, or via . As always, thank you for ..read more

This week we were joined by Bob Tewksbury, retired major league baseball pitcher and mental skills coach. Bob's baseball journey was one for the books, but the end of his baseball career was the beginning of new career in sports psychology. As he describes in his book, 90% Mental, sports are not just about hitting a home run or scoring the winning goal; there are layers to great players, and mental skills are just one. We talked with Bob about his experience in the outfield, and what he is up to now, as well as how the mental skills applied in sports are applicable to our lives, even if we do ..read more

From the newspaper headlines, to interruptions in your regularly scheduled programming on television, we are all familiar with the "doom and gloom" that this world has to offer. Sometimes, it seems like it can be easier to get caught up in that doom and gloom, and forget about the sunshine that can (and does!) peacefully exist. Dude. Be Nice. has one mission: treat yourself and others better. All created by a man who wanted to be the anti-doom and gloom, Dude. Be Nice. is known for their awesome videos that highlight people who go the extra mile, and deserve recognition for doing so. This week ..read more

Throughout life, we meet individuals at our favorite coffee shop, or in a class we’ve taken, or even mailing a card at your local post office. What do all of these things have in common? Well, each of those people have things that make them unique, that make them stand out from those around them. This week, we sat down with Ed Latimore, a former professional heavyweight boxer whose life started in the projects of Pennsylvania, which then eventually led him to pursue a degree in physics, develop an interest in chess, and lead a life of practicing stoicism. This episode really packs a lot of pun ..read more

Each and every one of us has experienced challenges that are unfair, and seemingly insurmountable, sometimes leaving us to question the purpose that this pain is playing in our lives. We may ask, "why me?", feeling defeated by our tribulations, looking for a way out of the darkness. The children of Kids Kicking Cancer have a bit of a different idea. We sat down with Rabbi Elimelech Goldburg, "Rabbi G", a black belt Rabbi and founder of Kicks Kicking Cancer, to hear about how children experiencing pediatric illness and cancer are our true teachers. It is truly an inspiration to listen to Rabbi ..read more

Work Happy?! If that sounds like an oxymoron to you then this episode is what you're looking for! Not only is possible to be happy while at work, but it is also invaluable. Invaluable for the worker and the boss. This may seem like an out-of-reach goal but it does not have to be. Joined by the affable, congenial Greg Kettner, we dive into the intersection where humor and our 'day jobs' meet. It is an inspiration to hear how Greg used a tragic event as a springboard to bring so much good into people's lives. Smiles are guaranteed in this episode. Thank you for your continued support by subscrib ..read more

Throwback Thursday! Way back when (before the existence of Mental Filter) I met Stuart Ralph at the annual International OCD Foundation Conference. Stuart is not only the nicest and most genuine guy one can be, but he is also the host of a podcast called The OCD Stories. The podcast has been extremely influential in advocating, educating, and connecting within the OCD community. It is also super popular ;) He graciously allowed me to turn the mic on him. In its original format, this was a video discussion now formatted for audio. We explored his own journey with OCD, the power of storytelling ..read more

The brain is fascinating, to say the least! It's so unique and individual for each of us. It holds our pattern of thinking. It is the nerve center for everything that we do. It influences our emotions and personalities. It is both powerful and sensitive. Also, as much as we have advanced in our knowledge of it, we still haven’t scratched the surface. So what happens if it becomes compromised? Even that is so unique because each person is impacted differently. It can depend on how and which portion of it becomes compromised. Whether you're a layperson or professional we welcome you into our con ..read more

Did you say you wanted more?! Well, you're in luck because we didn't stop talking just yet. Part II of the topic below..... The world of performing arts is as vast as it is deep. There are so many highs and along with it a fair amount of lows. Hopefully, this will be just the first of many episodes that explores the experience of performing arts, on professional and personal levels, through the lens of mental health. Is the saying 'life imitates art' accurate or is it art imitating life? hmmm... This double-episode is not just for the performer out there. You, the listener, might notice your h ..read more