Tag

family

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:

Comedian Sandy Stec: Surviving the Lonely Fight for Mental Health

By Comedian, Mental Health, Music, Personal Growth No Comments

This episode is sponsored by:

If you’re feeling trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and frustration, pouring your heart into your creative passions but never quite achieving the mental wellness you crave, then you are not alone! This week’s guest is comedy Sandy Stec. A funny girl… who happens to be on the radio. She’s a comedian and morning iHeartRadio personality for KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles. 

For over 20 years, Sandy has been sharing her humor and heartfelt stories on the air, and she’s now ready to delve into the topic of mental wellness, self-love, and self-care. Having experienced her own struggles with loneliness and depression, Sandy is a relatable and compassionate voice in the conversation about mental health. With her engaging personality and genuine desire to help others, Sandy is the perfect guest to explore the importance of taking care of ourselves mentally and emotionally as we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month.

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Tackling and overcoming common difficulties encountered in the radio field without losing your genuine originality
  • Grasping the significance of self-appreciation, personal health, and mental well-being for continued success
  • Recognizing and becoming aware of distinct cultural disparities in language, food, and prejudicial attitudes
  • Chasing your inventive dreams, remaining focused and committed to accomplishing your objectives
  • Forming meaningful connections, attaining essential guidance, and benefiting from the wisdom of trusted mentors

Dr. Yuriy Dobry’s story:

Chances are, you’ve heard her voice. 

​Sandy Stec is an iHeartRadio personality for KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles; on-air Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, she was 1/2 of “Marcus and Sandy”- a top-rated morning show on Star 101.3 in San Francisco for 10 years. 

Aside from her 20+ years radio experience, she’s also fantastic event/on-camera host and stand-up comedian! She’s worked with Benefit Cosmetics, HP, Cisco, Norwegian Cruise lines, etc; and opened for Chelsea Handler, Kevin Hart, Arsenio Hall, Richard Lewis and many, many more. 

When she’s not on–air or on-stage, Sandy is probably hiking, watching Bravo or TLC, or hoping to hit a progressive jackpot on a slot machine! 

Quotations:

“I have never felt the depression that I have felt in the last few months of my life to the point where I am absolutely looking into medication.” ~Sandy Stec

“Yes, I’m doing a lot of great stuff. Yes, it looks great online. But I still go home alone.” ~Sandy Stec

“We all can learn from each other’s story.” ~Gary Scott Thomas

“It has definitely changed since I have come here. But this was what I traded for. I was ready for a change. I was ready for a new chapter. And so here I am.” ~Sandy Stec

“If you’re struggling mentally, social media can make it so much worse.” ~Sandy Stec

The Dark Side of Comedy
Despite being a creative outlet that brings laughter and lightheartedness, comedy can have a dark side in terms of the personal experiences and emotions behind it. Comedians often use their craft to cope with their struggles and pain, turning them into relatable and entertaining material. Recognizing and understanding this darker aspect can lead to a deeper appreciation for the art of comedy. During the interview, Sandy Stec shares her experiences in the world of comedy, both the positive moments and the darker times. She discusses her past struggles with mental health, her interactions with other comedians and their personalities, and how she continues to create content while prioritizing her mental well-being.

Contact Sandy:

https://www.sandystec.com

Decoding Childhood Depression with Dr. Yuriy Dobry

By Mental Health, Personal Growth One Comment

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to let them know Gary sent you so you can get a discount.)

Decoding our children’s mental health can feel overwhelming? Have you been told to just snap them out of it or stop coddling them? It’s time to break free from ineffective advice and gain the tools you need to truly understand childhood depression. Join us for this episode where you’ll uncover the subtle signs of depression, learn how parenting styles impact emotional well-being, and discover practical solutions for making mental health care accessible for all. Our children don’t have to suffer in silence. It’s time to take action and equip ourselves with the knowledge to make a difference.

Meet this week’s guest Dr. Yuriy Dobry, a dedicated child-adolescent adult psychiatrist who has made it his mission to support families dealing with mental health challenges. With a board certification under his belt, he specializes in treatment-resistant depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, and other mood disorders. Growing up with a father who was a psychiatrist, Yuriy was inspired to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in people’s lives. His approachable demeanor and expertise in childhood depression make him an invaluable ally for parents searching for answers.

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Decode the nuances separating everyday mood changes and deeper feelings of depression in young individuals.
  • Comprehend how distinct parenting styles play a significant role in shaping a child’s mental health.
  • Acquire the art of providing uplifting and valuable critique to your child.
  • Embrace the necessity of making mental health care readily available for all members of society.
  • Understand the contributions of psychiatrists and embark on a results-oriented treatment process.

Dr. Yuriy Dobry’s story:

Dr. Yuriy Dobry found himself intrigued by psychiatry from an early age, as his father was a psychiatrist who shared with him fascinating insights about the field. Yuriy’s curiosity and passion stemmed from a genuine desire to understand the complexities of the human mind, especially when it came to the differences between depression and normal mood changes in children. He knew that understanding these differences could greatly impact the lives of not only the children but also their families.

Quotations:

“People are more accepting of [mental health issues], so there’s less shame around it.” ~Dr. Yuriy Dobry

“Just think of your psychiatrist as another doctor, as another provider.” ~Dr. Yuriy Dobry

“If your mood gets to a point where you’re unable to work, you’re unable to get up and go to work, or you’re unable to kind of excel at your job compared to how you were doing before the onset of these symptoms of this mood state, that’s one of those things.” ~Dr. Yuriy Dobry

“It’s more about the change in behavior. If they were more likely to be active out with friends, engaging in sports, whatever activities, and then all of a sudden, you’re seeing that they’re more and more spending more and more time online by themselves. Gaming that changes [your child’s] behavior is what I would say is the most concerning part.” ~Dr. Yuriy Dobry

Contact Dr. Yuriy Dobry:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuriy-dobry-md

Charles Kelley

By Booze, Faith, Mental Health, Music, Personal Growth No Comments

This powerful episode from Charles Kelley with Lady A kicks off our Mental Health series for May, Mental Health Awareness Month. Many months into his sobriety, he has an open and honest message he’s sharing about what life is like without alcohol.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

In This Episode:

  • The realization that his drinking was out of control
  • Slipping after the first time he tried to curb his alcohol consumption
  • Tapping into an honest side of himself
  • Fears that come along when you stop drinking
  • What he’s discovered since he’s gone dry
  • Discovering WHY he would drink
  • Why Tim McGraw goes for a 5-mile run before a show
  • Finding a stronger faith
  • Seeing God in everyday moments
  • How they’ll be connecting with the audience this tour
  • Mickelson vs Woods

Quotations:

“The thing that’s really helped me get through it is being ready for a change, but also my wife–just how much work she’s doing around it and how much we’re able to kind of talk about all these things, you know, and what I was drinking over; a lot of it was boredom. Some of it was a little bit of fear, but a lot of kind of just became this routine and boredom.” ~Charles Kelley

“It’s interesting…when I would turn into a different person, and it was so consistent, and I didn’t like the man and the things I would hear afterward about my behavior.” ~Charles Kelley

“I let a liquid control my life.” ~Charles Kelley

“If it took drinking to be overly social, then maybe that wasn’t really who I was.” ~Charles Kelley

“It [not drinking] doesn’t have to be a thing.” ~Charles Kelley

“I don’t think I would’ve stopped if it wasn’t for, you know, the risk of, of. Losing my marriage or the band.” ~Charles Kelley

“I know what the highs feel like, and I know what the lows feel like, and you know, it’s kinda nice just to live in that middle spot where just; you almost start appreciate it. It’s just the little moments.” ~Charles Kelley

“The goal is longevity. I mean, you can kind of definitely see artists kind of come and go and, and a lot of it is self-destruction, you know, and I think that’s one thing.” ~Charles Kelley

“I think it’s been the beauty about being in a band is they’ve held me accountable, and we’ve held each other accountable.” ~Charles Kelley

Guest’s Bio:

Charles Burgess Kelley (born September 11, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, lead singer, and founding member of the country music trio Lady A, which was formed in 2006 and signed to Capitol Nashville.[1]

Guest’s Contact Info:

https://www.instagram.com/charleskelley