Category

Mental Health

Oct 11
Love10

Dr. Afton Hassett

By Author, Mental Health, Science No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, join us in this enlightening episode as we dive deep into the world of chronic pain with our guest, Dr. Afton Hassett, an experienced pain psychologist and the author of “Chronic Pain Reset”.  She offers informative content about how stress and mental health are intertwined with physical discomfort and delves into various aspects of chronic pain—its effects, causes, and potential treatments.

Listen in and discover valuable insights about how your emotions can affect your perception of discomfort, and learn practical strategies for dealing with persistent affliction. And together, let’s unlock the power of positivity in healing!

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • The Intersection of Mental and Physical Health 
  • Resilience in Managing Chronic Pain
  • The Power of Social Interaction
  • Customizing Treatment Plans
  • The Neuroscience Behind Pain 
  • The Invisible Nature Of Pain 
  • The Role Of Physical Activity And Sleep In Managing Chronic Pain 
  • Negative Impact Of Modern Devices On Sleep Quality  
  • Understanding Chronic Pain
  • The Biopsychosocial Aspects of Pain
  • Rewiring the Brain 
  • The Limitations Of Pharmaceuticals 
  • The Power Of Holistic Methods  
  • Pain Relief Through Enjoyable Activities 

Quotations:

“I think one of the most healing things that we can do is to just kind of step outside of ourselves.” ~ Dr. Afton Hassett

” The coolest evidence we have to date is that our emotions and our mindset can indeed influence our immunity and our ability to fight off a common cold and other viruses.” ~ Dr. Afton Hassett

“People just have to be open to kind of keep trying different things, and that’s what matters is to continue to try.” ~ Dr. Afton Hassett

“My goal is that down the road, I won’t even be helping people with chronic pain. That’ll be cured. But by helping them, I’m leading a life that feels really rich and rewarding.” ~ Dr. Afton Hassett

Guest’s Bio:

Dr. Afton Hassett is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. She received her BFA from Colorado State University and her doctorate from Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. As a principal investigator at the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center, she conducts interdisciplinary research related to exploring the role of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in chronic pain populations. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and is a leader in the field of resilience and pain research. Her work has focused on exploring positive emotions and affective balance in people with pain; health-related quality of life in adult and pediatric rheumatology patients; and novel interventions to promote resilience and self-management for individuals with chronic pain. She is committed to education for individuals at many levels including patients, undergraduate and graduate students, medical residents, postdocs, physicians, and other healthcare providers. Dr. Hassett is the Director of Clinical Pain Research at the Back & Pain Center and the Past President of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals – a division of the American College of Rheumatology. Current funding sources include National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the University of Michigan. With over $14M of research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Afton’s mission is to bring evidence-based strategies from research and academic settings to the people themselves. Her life’s work is dedicated to helping people with chronic pain live lives with less pain, greater happiness, and renewed purpose in life.

Guest’s Contact Info:

Website: https://aftonhassett.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AftonHassett/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftonhassett/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afton-hassett-1982b323/

Oct 04
Love10

Sam Liccardo

By Mental Health, Personal Growth, Politics No Comments
 

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes Sam Liccardo, the 64th mayor of San Jose, for an insightful discussion on technology’s impact on legacy and memory. Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore his lineage and the intriguing blend of Sicilian, Irish, and Mexican roots that converge in his family tree. During this engaging episode, Sam Liccardo delves into the unique leadership challenges he encountered, particularly those faced by mayors of big cities. A role often regarded as one of the most demanding. Yet amidst these difficulties lie opportunities for growth and resilience.

Tune in to this conversation filled with captivating stories about our past while providing thought-provoking insights about our present and future! 

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • Unity and Division: A Historical Perspective
  • Technology’s Role in Remembering Personalities 
  • Candid Conversations with Leaders
  • Ancestry Documentation and its Significance
  • Debunking ‘The Good Old Days’ Concept 
  • Future Technology and Social Implications
  • The Power of Mementos 
  • Transition from Physical Spaces to Virtual Studios  
  • Story Topping: A Conversation Killer
  • Politics, Human Interaction, and Quick Connections
  • Door-to-Door Politics: A Deep Insight into Community Concerns 
  • The Rise of AI and Trust Issues
  • Resilience: A Recurring Theme 
  • Ego and Hubris: Obstacles to Scientific Discourse
  • Housing Crisis: Need for Innovation 
  • Balancing Ideological Differences: Finding Middle Ground
  • Pandemic Response: Challenges and Triumphs
  • High Construction Cost: Need for Innovative Models
  • Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap
  • Leadership Effectiveness in High-Pressure Situations 
  • Name-dropping and Celebrity Encounters
  • Future Political Aspirations: A Return to Public Service
  • Free Speech and Diverse Viewpoints

Quotations:

“The reality is, you know, we’ve survived to this country because somehow or another, one generation or another found a way to be resilient and said resilience, and we gotta find again.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“I certainly hope that real human communication comes back into vogue because the trend lines are going exactly opposite direction.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“You know, there are no easy solutions to a lot of these complex urban challenges.”

~ Sam Liccardo

“You know, really, the best approach of all was just asking questions.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“It’s a terrifying prospect that we just can’t all agree on just a few basic truths so that we can begin to disagree about something more interesting, rather than the fact that we have to question whether or not, you know, whatever anybody said was deep, fake, or real.” ~ Sam Liccardo

Guest’s Bio:

Sam Liccardo became the 64th mayor and one of the youngest individuals to serve in San José, California’s highest elected office. A member of the Democratic Party, Sam was elected mayor in November 2014. He was re-elected in 2018 with 75.8% of the vote. After graduating from Bellarmine College Preparatory in San José, Sam attended Georgetown University, where he rowed crew as captain of the heavyweight squad. He graduated magna cum laude in 1991 and enrolled at Harvard Law School and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. After graduating with honors with a law degree and a master’s degree in public policy, Sam returned to the Bay Area in 1996. Sam’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and other publications.

Prior to his election to public office, Sam spent a number of years in public service, serving as a federal and local criminal prosecutor on a range of felony cases, from sexual assault and child exploitation to international narcotrafficking. Sam’s extensive work in the community also included teaching political science at San José State University, co-founding an innovative program to mentor children, serving on the boards of several affordable housing organizations, and advocating for several successful countywide ballot measures that are bringing BART to San José. 

Under his leadership, San Jose thrived with his efforts by growing the economy equitably, supporting struggling neighbors and broadening inclusion, investing in youth, beautifying San Jose and advancing smart environmental policies, improving public safety, building a 21st-century transportation network, and embracing innovation in the government. Sam and his wife, Jessica Garcia-Kohl, live near downtown San Jose.

Guest’s Contact Info:

Website: https://www.samliccardo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamLiccardo1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samliccardo/

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sliccardo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-liccardo-a9a1759/

Aug 30
Love7

Kerri Walsh Jennings

By Faith, Fun, Mental Health, Personal Growth, Professional Athlete, Sports No Comments

This week, Gary chatted with the legendary Olympic beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings. We dive deep into her journey of rehabilitation post-injury, exploring themes like expectation management, maintaining an active lifestyle for personal well-being, and setting examples for children. Listen as she shares valuable insights on handling adversity in high-stakes situations, teamwork dynamics, and overcoming fear – all while juggling career aspirations and family responsibilities. Tune in to hear more about how she continues to inspire others through her story of resilience!

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • Reading Bible verses and using the Bible Recap app
  • Teenagers’ desire to spend more time with their parents
  • The importance of staying active and vibrant as one ages
  • Pouring into and creating a legacy for one’s family
  • Taking time for oneself in a relationship and focusing on personal growth
  • Overcoming fear and maintaining a positive focus
  • The bronze medal game and the challenges faced
  • The power of love and support from trusted individuals
  • The importance of self-awareness and managing one’s energy
  • The role of fear in clouding judgment and perception

Quotations:

“So for your kids, for my kids, to see us wanting to be vibrant, to make it a priority to keep moving, and to pray and to do all these things that fill us up so we can be vibrant in life for them, for ourselves; it’s just such a powerful gift.” ~Kerri Walsh Jennings

“As parents can, to a certain extent, we can control so much of our children’s lives based on the environment that we create in our homes and how we respond to their stresses and their growth, and all these things. And we set the tone largely, and that is such a huge responsibility.” ~Kerri Walsh Jennings

Guest’s Bio:

Kerri Lee Walsh Jennings is an American professional beach volleyball player, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a one-time Olympic bronze medalist. She is the beach volleyball leader in career victories as of 2016, having won 135 international and domestic tournaments.

Guest’s Contact Info:

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Aug 16
Love4

Killer Beaz

By Comedian, Faith, Mental Health, Personal Growth, Philosophy No Comments

In this engaging episode, host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes the legendary comedian Killer Beaz. They discuss their shared experiences growing up in the South and the challenges they faced in pursuing their dreams. The conversation takes a spiritual turn as they delve into their rediscovery of faith and the importance of changing one’s mindset. Killer Beaz shares a powerful story of how he and his wife reached out to a couple in need and how their act of kindness had a profound impact on both the couple and those who witnessed it. They emphasize the importance of leading with faith and generosity and how it can bring happiness and blessings to others. Overall, this episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about faith, kindness, and the power of laughter.

This episode is sponsored by:

Habana Cuba (Use “Gary20” to get 20% off your order.)

In This Episode:

  • Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life: One of the biggest revelations discussed in this episode is the ability to change our mindset. Our thoughts have the power to shape our reality, and by consciously choosing to think positively and let go of negative thoughts, we can transform our lives. As Killer Beaz shared, “Change your freaking mind. Change that mindset. It’s painless, and it works.” 
  • You Have the Power to Stop Negative Thoughts: We all experience dark thoughts from time to time, but the key is to recognize that we have the power to stop them in their tracks. By acknowledging our ability to choose happiness and not worry, we can shift our focus towards a more positive outlook. As our guest emphasized, “When you have those dark thoughts, you have the power to stop them in their tracks and go not today, not today.” 
  • Let Go of Limiting Beliefs: Our mindset can sometimes be like a lid on a jar, holding us back from realizing our full potential. We often limit ourselves with beliefs that are not true or no longer serve us. As one of our guests shared, “You’ve got to get rid of that mindset because all things are possible for us.” By letting go of these limiting beliefs, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and true freedom. 

Quotations:

  • “Change your freaking mind.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “My phrase in my head is, ‘Not today, Satan.'” ~Killer Beaz
  • “The research shows the happiest that you will feel is when you do something for someone else.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “You don’t have to be Bible-literate. You don’t have to be a scholar of the Bible. You don’t have to be well-versed in it in order to just share with people why you’re happy and why you don’t have a life full of worry and anxiety.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “We have no idea what the blessings others are gonna get just because we’re obedient.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “They say that smart is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when not to say it.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “God’s going to use it in some way wonderful.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “But God is gonna ask you, what’d you do with all the blessings I gave you?” ~Killer Beaz
  • “When you open that Bible, how many times have you randomly opened it, and holy moly, right there is something that has pertained with something that’s going on that day or something you were fretting over. It will address it.” ~Killer Beaz

Guest’s Bio:

Celebrating his seventh season on Discovery Channel’s hit series, “Moonshiners”, comedian Killer Beaz is touring the nation when not filming. With well over three decades of comedy clubs and theatres, television, and radio, Killer Beaz is legendary in the comedy industry. Beaz continues to make regular stops with his family-friendly show to The Grand Ole Opry stage. Tickets and information for his tour are available at www.KillerBeaz.com.

​

Killer Beaz has his own, unique brand of “Hard Hitting” – “Laugh out Loud” – “Laugh A Lot” – “HI-PROOF” – “High Energy” – “Everyman-style” comedy! With many thousands of radio, television and stage appearances, Beaz has been entertaining audiences worldwide, but his passion is his live stage performance. He is an award-winning artist and has been signed with both Sony and Warner Brothers Records, and received reviews such as:

“Beaz is ‘Killer!’” – Rolling Stone Magazine

“Killer Beaz lives up to his name, “Killing” his audience, night after night, show after show!” -Entertainment Today/Las Vegas, NV

“Killer Beaz has a universal appeal that makes him a crowd favorite!” – SHOWTIME/Reno, NV

Don’t miss your opportunity to see “THE BEST BUZZ in TOWN!” See him on television, hear him on the radio, see his stage performance live…you’ll be “Stung for Life!” Live show tickets and information are available at KillerBeaz.com.

https://www.killerbeaz.com/