Hope Illuminated Podcast

Nov 05 2024 133 ep. 54 mins 25
Hope Illuminated Podcast artwork

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.

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New Frontlines: Trends in Veterans' Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Success with Dr. Joe Geraci | Ep. 133

Nov 05 2024 54 mins  
“We need to leverage the sea of Goodwill in the community to do more than just say ‘Thank you for your service.’ Mentor, hire, help with the transition from active duty to civilian life.” - Dr. Joe GeraciI met Dr. Joseph Geraci on the advisory committee through "Face the Fight" a consortium/initiative; with the goal of reducing Veterans' suicide by 50% in 5 years. We review

Perfectly Hidden Depression | Interview with Dr. Margaret Rutherford | Episode 131

Oct 22 2024 47 mins  
I had the absolute pleasure of talking with the inspiring Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Let me tell you, Margaret’s journey is nothing short of transformative. She opened up about the pressures we put on ourselves to be perfect and how embracing both strengths and weaknesses is the key to self-acceptance. We had a fantastic discussion about the beautifully imperfect stories that conne

From Service to Civilian: Addressing Mental Health Stigma and Veteran Suicide with Rachel Oswalt

Sep 24 2024 45 mins  
Veterans suicide death and military mental health has been making headlines for decades, on today’s episode we look at the root causes. I am joined by Rachel Oswalt, an inspiring US Navy veteran and mental wellness advocate. Rachel discusses the critical role of connecting with supportive individuals throughout her life's journey, particularly in navigating the labyrinth of milit

Suicide Risk among Healthcare Workers with Christopher Wojnar | 130

Aug 20 2024 40 mins  
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, nurse Christopher Wojnar shares his journey through mental health challenges, resilience, and the importance of workplace peer support in suicide prevention. Gain insights into nursing well-being and the transformative power of storytelling in mental health advocacy. For mor information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/ho

Pain, Opioids, Addiction, and Suicide – It’s Complicated with Dr. Stefan Kertesz | 129

Jul 30 2024 43 mins  
In this illuminating episode of Hope Illuminated, I sit down with Dr. Stefan Kertesz, a seasoned researcher from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, to unravel the complexities surrounding pain, opioids, addiction, and suicide.Stefan shares his profound insights into the intricate relationship between these factors, drawing from his extensive experience in caring for vulnerable

The Bipolar General – Resilience and Recovery with Major General Greg Martin | 128

Jul 02 2024 50 mins  
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, I am joined by Major General Greg Martin of the US Army, who bravely shares his journey with bipolar disorder. From experiencing the exhilarating highs that fueled his success in the military, academia, and marathon running, to facing the devastating lows that nearly destroyed him, Greg offers a compelling narrative about the complexities of men

Masculinity, Mental Health, & Suicide with Simon Tyler | 126

Jun 11 2024 57 mins  
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, I am joined by Simon Tyler for a deeply insightful conversation. Together, we dive into the complex relationship between masculinity, mental health, and suicide prevention. Simon bravely shares his personal journey, reflecting on the impact of losing father figures to suicide and his own struggles with mental health. Through his experiences in m

Compassion, Connection and Recovery Intention – How Faith Communities Can Best Support People Impacted by Suicide with Shannon Parkin | 127

Jun 04 2024 37 mins  
Explore the transformative power of compassion and connection in suicide prevention with Shannon Parkin's research and insights in this compelling episode of Hope Illuminated podcast.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/how-faith-communities-can-best-support-people-impacted-by-suicide-127

Technology for Mental Health Equity, Bianca McCall | 125

May 07 2024 65 mins  
In this inspiring episode of the Hope Illuminated podcast, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas engages in a deeply insightful conversation with Bianca McCall, a retired professional athlete and passionate advocate for leveraging technology to enhance mental health care accessibility. Bianca shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, including childhood trauma and the intense pressu

Ashtanga Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Dr. Jessa Navidé | Episode 124

Mar 23 2024 50 mins  
The intimate connection between the mind and body cannot be overstated, and nurturing this relationship can lead to profound healing. The remarkable interplay between our mental and physical states is especially highlighted through yoga practices, with an emphasis on breath work and mindfulness, it’s been shown to soothe the nervous system, offering healing for those suffering wi