Voices For Suicide Prevention: Recent Episodes
Scott Light
The suicide crisis in Ohio and in America has no boundaries and neither will our conversations. We'll talk openly about the how, the why and the solutions to suicide prevention. This vital conversation is brought to you by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation as we'll highlight experts, counselors, clinicians, advocates and ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of saving lives.
Older adults have the highest suicide rates in the United States, and we still don’t treat that fact with the urgency it deserves. We sit down with Dr. Jessica Haberman (VA psychologist), Lisa Castro, and Tim Leonard from the Ohio Department of Aging to name what too often goes unsaid: depression is not a normal part of aging, and “they’ve lived a full life” is not an excuse to look away.
We dig into the biggest suicide risk factors for older adults and older Ohioans, including social isolation and loneliness, grief and life transitions like retirement, substance use, and the heavy toll of chronic medical conditions and chronic pain. We also talk about older veteran suicide risk, why lethal means safety matters, and how the COVID era intensified isolation and reduced people’s sense of trust.
Then we get practical with the newly released, Ohio Older Adult Toolkit: https://www.ohiospf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Identifying-and-Reducing-Suicide-Risk-in-Older-Ohioans-Pages1.pdf .
It provides resources, conversation starters, advocacy and education. We break down what warning signs can look like in real life, how to start the hard conversation and why “practicing the pause” helps someone open up. We also share how providers, aging services professionals, and everyday community spaces like senior centers, libraries, faith communities, and caregiver networks can build connection, and make it easier to reach help.
If you want concrete next steps and a clear path from concern to action, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with someone who supports older adults, and leave a review so more people can find these suicide prevention tools.
A phone app that helps cut suicide attempts by more than half sounds like science fiction until you hear the data and the design choices behind it. We sit down with Dr. Seth Feuerstein (Yale School of Medicine) to talk about OTX202, a clinician-supported suicide prevention app developed in collaboration with Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. It's built to deliver suicide-specific therapy skills after hospitalization and other high-risk periods.
We walk through why proven suicide interventions often fail to reach people who need them most. We also dig into stigma and the “why would they do that?” trap, using a striking medical analogy: suicidal crisis as an arrhythmia-like state of the brain. Dangerous? Yes. Treatable? Yes. Finally, we get practical about implementation and where artificial intelligence may fit next, with ethics and safety front and center. If you care about mental health, digital therapeutics, and evidence-based suicide prevention, subscribe, share this episode with someone who works in care, and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.
If you’ve ever wondered why some mental health programs actually stick while others fade after a single event, this conversation is for you and your organization. We’re joined by Fran Frazier of the Black Girl Rising Research Project and Rebecca Jones, Child and Adolescent Services Director with the Mental Health Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County. This episode is centered on what it takes to support African American girls with honesty, rigor, and care.
We start with the reality many Black girls face in Ohio: higher exposure to trauma, community violence, instability, and chronic stress. Then we move to what doesn’t get enough airtime in suicide prevention and youth mental health work: resilience, leadership, and the power of being taken seriously. Fran shares how decades of research and listening shaped a girl-led model that replaces lectures with facilitation.
Rebecca walks us through what it looks like to bring Black Girl Rising into a new community with fidelity, including Love Letters to Black Girls, mother-daughter conversations, and the long-game goal of growing girls grow into ambassadors.
Subscribe, share this with someone who cares about youth wellbeing, and leave a review so more listeners can find these suicide prevention conversations.
Autistic people are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, yet too many support systems still treat autism and mental health as separate worlds. Stepanie and Scott sit down with Lisa Morgan, an autistic adult and founder of the Autism and Suicide Prevention Work Group, and Dr. Brenna Maddox, a clinical psychologist and co-chair of the work group, to talk about what that gap looks like in real life and how to close it.
We unpack how language preferences differ, why a strengths-based view of autism matters, and how the social model and neurodiversity-affirming care can replace the harmful idea that autistic people need to be 'fixed'. Then we go straight at the misconceptions that can increase suicide risk, including the dangerous habit of skipping suicide risk questions just because someone is autistic. We also explore a theme we hear again and again: invalidation. Not being believed can be constant, and it can push suicidal ideation higher.
Our conversation is very practical too. Some warning signs can look different for autistic people, including intense internal crisis paired with a calm exterior, and alexithymia that makes emotions hard to name. We point listeners to autism-specific crisis support resources, including guidance for using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and tools like a reasons-for-living worksheet that can help even when therapy is hard to access. If you care about autism suicide prevention, share this conversation, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more people can find these resources when they need them most.
Overnight personality changes are every parent’s nightmare, especially when the symptoms don’t fit a neat box. Scott and Stephanie are joined by Gabriella True, President and founding Board Member of Aspire, to explain PANS and PANDAS in plain language and with hard-earned honesty. Gabriella brings professional advocacy plus lived experience as a mom of twins impacted by PANS and as someone who has dealt with PANS/PANDAS symptoms herself.
We dig into what makes pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome so alarming: sudden OCD, restricted eating, and complex tics that can arrive with severe separation anxiety, rage, urinary changes, and mood swings. We talk about why some kids don’t show “typical” infection signs, how strep and other triggers can set off a neuroimmune response, and why calling these shifts “symptoms” instead of “behavior” can change how families and clinicians respond.
Gabriella also walks us through today’s treatment framework including infectious triggers and reducing inflammation alongside careful psychiatric support. The conversation doesn’t skip the hardest part: suicide risk, the reality of hospitalization, and the urgent need for coordinated medical and mental health care.
If this helps you put words to what you’re seeing at home, share it with someone who needs it, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a review so more families can find these resources when time matters most.
A raw, generous conversation with iHeart radio personality and OSPF ambassador Sol Tsonis that transforms stigma into strategy and rock bottom into a starting line. Sol takes us into the moments that shaped her mental health journey—from early depression and anxiety in her teens to the deliberate, imperfect climb toward stability.
We talk about the turning points that matter: choosing a short course of medication as a bridge, returning to therapy until the fit clicked, and cleaning up friendships and habits that kept her stuck. Sol reframes self-care as maintenance, not luxury—movement to burn off stress, gratitude to anchor attention, and scheduled “me time”. She pairs heart with data, reminding us that activity, social connection, and rest are directly tied to longer, healthier lives.
Sol also pulls back the curtain on social media’s highlight reel and the comparison traps that steal joy. Her fix is useful honesty: practical tips on seasonal depression, phone limits, and micro-habits that turn scrolling into learning. If you’re struggling silently, you’ll hear a clear path forward: tell one trusted person, try therapy even when you’re “fine,” and choose one daily practice that protects your spark.
If this conversation gives you hope or a next step, share it with someone you love and subscribe for more real talk on mental health and suicide prevention.
A dinner conversation sparked a movement. We sit down with leaders from SAVE and Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation CEO Tony Coder to share how the National Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (NSPAN) is helping small and mid-sized nonprofits combine their strengths, talents and passions!
The idea is simple but ambitious: when community groups connect and collaborate, proven strategies scale faster, funding pathways open, and lives are saved.
We talk through the four pillars that guide the work—education and training, advocacy, lethal means safety, and support for suicide loss survivors—and why they matter now. The data is shifting: while some demographics improve, suicide risk is climbing among women, preteens, and rural communities tied to a struggling agricultural economy.
Technology looms large in this conversation too. Social media can harm, yet responsible AI and digital tools may help identify risk and connect people to care sooner. The keys are safeguards and smart design paired with human support. We also spotlight 988—the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—and the surprising awareness gap among young workers.
If you lead or support a suicide prevention nonprofit, or if you’re a community member who wants to help, this is your invite to lean in. Learn how to join NSPAN, collaborate on funding and advocacy, and carry solutions across county and state lines. Subscribe, share this episode with a local organization, and leave a review to help more people find these stories to hopefully, save more lives.
The heart of Ohio agriculture beats inside family trucks, quiet cab rides, and long rows that hold equal parts pride and pressure. We sit with first‑generation farmer Nathan Brown to trace the real story behind the harvest: the money paid up front, the machinery that breaks at the worst time, and weather that never reads the plan. Nathan shares how he scaled from 25 acres to 2,000, why conservation practices ground his work, and what it took to exit cattle during a drought without losing hope or identity.
The conversation turns to mental health where the stakes are human and immediate. Nathan names the stigma farmers face, the belief they must fix everything alone, and the danger of silent struggle. He offers a toolkit built on lived experience: “get your five” trusted contacts, call to vent before rumination takes over, step away for a few hours to reset, and treat counseling like any other professional service. You’ll hear why subtle signals on a farm speak volumes and how persistence can save a life.
We also explore the wider system: market swings, policy shocks, and public narratives that misread modern farming. Nathan outlines simple ways organizations can help, from short mental health segments at ag events to creating real on‑ramps for new producers.
If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with someone in agriculture, and leave a review to help more farmers and families find practical support and hopeful stories. Your voice helps break stigma and builds a safer, stronger farm community.
Raw honesty meets hard-won wisdom in a conversation with three veterans who open up about service, identity, and the messy middle of healing. We explore how the military’s structure can be both lifeline and blindfold—building discipline and leadership while making it easy to bury pain in the name of the mission. From early careers where mental health was a no-go topic to a slow cultural shift toward prevention, they lay out what changed, what hasn’t, and why vulnerability makes units stronger, not weaker.
We dig into myths civilians hold about veterans and trauma, and why “strong and struggling” can be true at the same time. You’ll hear practical ways to support without clichés: ask simple questions, listen without fixing, and learn the basics of military culture so your words land. Families get real attention here too—the constant balancing act of deployments, childcare, and unknowns—and how the load often pushes people toward unhealthy coping unless a community shows up.
Scott and Stephanie ask our guests about the transition after the uniform too: the loss of mission, the hit to identity, and the temptation to fill the void with busyness or substances. Our guests share what helped them rebuild—therapy when ready, peer groups, veteran retreats, EMDR, and outdoor activities that blend movement with conversation. If you care about suicide prevention, veteran wellness, or simply want a clearer way to show up for people you love, this conversation will change how you listen and how you lead.
If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more real talk on mental health, and leave a review to help others find the show.
What if a prison operated like a bridge back to community rather than a dead end? We sit down with Director Annette Chambers-Smith of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to explore how values, data, and everyday relationships are reshaping safety, reentry, and long-term well-being.
We start with the bigger picture: 98% of people come home. That reality shifts the mission toward healing, education, and practical preparation. Director Chambers-Smith shares four core values—and shows how correction officers, teachers, volunteers, and families become the frontline of change.
Then we go deep on mental health. With high rates of behavioral health and substance use needs among those incarcerated—and elevated PTSD and suicide risk among staff—the department is investing in employee support teams, nonprofit partnerships, and stigma-busting tools. The director also leads a national push beyond recidivism, tracking 16 determinants of post-release success.
We close this conversation with candid lessons from the director's own reset: sleep hygiene, protected time, and professional help that turned burnout into sustainable leadership. It’s a grounded, hopeful look at rehabilitation powered by data, partnerships, and human connection.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.
The lifesaving work happening behind the scenes at Ohio's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is both humbling and extraordinary. With over 592,000 contacts in just three years—approximately 700-800 daily—the service has become a critical resource for Ohioans experiencing mental health crises.
What makes this number even more remarkable is the human connection happening with each call. As 988 specialist Pru Hudson shares, "Somebody's having their worst day ever so what could be more important than being able to hold space with them?" This philosophy drives the dedicated professionals who answer these calls within an average of just 23 seconds—significantly faster than the national average of 34 seconds.
The podcast reveals the deeply personal motivations behind those who staff the crisis line. Doug Jackson, who administers the 988 system, found his way to this work after hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, an experience that gave him "a different life perspective."
Hudson, with decades of experience in social work, describes the profound impact of simply being present for someone in crisis: "The loudest message you can send to another person is I'm here, I'm waiting, whatever your crisis is, we're in this together."
Perhaps most powerful is the understanding that 988 serves as a judgment-free space where callers define what constitutes a crisis for them. No identification is required, no time limits imposed. The vision for 988's future includes expanding awareness beyond the current 36-50% of Ohioans who know about the service and developing additional resources like mobile crisis units to create a comprehensive mental health emergency response system. The ultimate goal? As Jackson puts it, ensuring that "mental health resources would be on an equal level of physical health needs."
Whether you're personally struggling or concerned about someone else, 988 is waiting to help and so is the entire team at OSPF.
When COVID-19 forced the world into isolation, four friends with beat-up bikes started riding around their neighborhood to escape cabin fever. Those simple rides evolved into something none of them expected – a movement that's changing how people talk about mental health and suicide prevention across Ohio.
"We just started riding bikes together," explains Josh Snead of Ride for Hope. "One trip turned into two trips, turned into 'let's do 20 miles'... and then this idea of 'what if we rode our bikes across Ohio?'" That wild thought, born during pandemic restrictions, has transformed into a registered nonprofit that hosts an annual 340-mile journey from Cleveland to Cincinnati, along with community rides throughout the year.
What makes Ride for Hope special isn't just the physical challenge. It's the conversations that happen along the way. Sam Woodward recalls a defining moment when a man pulled his work van over after seeing their jerseys: "He's holding back tears and says 'I want you to know that I lost my daughter to suicide. This means so much to me that you guys are willing to do this.'" These encounters happen regularly, revealing how many people carry silent grief related to suicide.
Beyond fundraising for suicide prevention organizations, the team creates spaces where people feel safe discussing mental health challenges. "Reducing the stigma, erasing it, getting it out of the way and saying we all have this shared human experience that includes struggle and hardship," says Mariah Woodward. "You are not alone in that."
Ready to join the movement? Visit rideforhope.org to learn about upcoming community rides, volunteer opportunities, or to register for their signature Cleveland-to-Cincinnati journey happening this September.
Breaking down the walls of silence surrounding youth mental health takes courage, creativity, and compassion – qualities that shine brightly in our remarkable student guests this month.
Meet Ainslee Lloyd from Franklin High School and Aarush Mantro from St. Xavier High School, two passionate advocates serving on the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation's Youth Advisory Council. Their infectious energy and genuine commitment to helping their peers navigate mental health challenges offer a powerful glimpse into how today's youth are transforming these crucial conversations.
"Talking about mental health is kind of taboo, especially in an all-boys school," Aarush admits, reflecting on his initial hesitation before joining Sources of Strength, a nationwide prevention program implemented in Ohio schools. Both students now lead campaigns that foster belonging and connection.
The students don't shy away from tough topics, offering candid insights about substance misuse among friends seeking escape from emotional struggles and how bullying has evolved in the digital age. "It's not as obvious...it's a lot more under the radar," Ainslee explains, while Aarush notes how COVID isolation further complicated young people's ability to maintain face-to-face connections.
Their work extends beyond their schools as part of the Youth Advisory Council, where they've helped award grants to youth-led suicide prevention projects across Ohio and created "Nate," a clever mascot for the 988 crisis line with the slogan "Call Nate before it's too late."
Listen now to be inspired by these remarkable young advocates who remind us that every voice matters in suicide prevention, and even small actions can save lives.
The workplace mental health crisis is costing American businesses billions while leaving employees struggling without adequate support. This eye-opening conversation with Teresa Lampl, CEO of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers, and Ashley Matthews, VP of Tax for Crane Group and Maryhaven Board Member, reveals the shocking reality behind mental health access in today's workforce.
When one in four adults experience mental health conditions annually but only half can access care, both human potential and business productivity suffer. The statistics are staggering: $300 billion lost annually from GDP due to untreated conditions, and 53% of working parents missing work monthly for their children's mental health needs. Beyond numbers, both guests share powerful personal journeys that highlight why this issue transcends business metrics.
The discussion also tackles the evolving stigma around mental health and the urgent need to treat brain health with the same priority as physical health. While social media has helped normalize conversations, persistent stereotypes still prevent many from seeking help. By valuing mental health as essential health and expanding access to the full continuum of care, businesses can create healthier workplaces while improving their bottom line.
Ready to transform how your organization approaches mental health? Listen now to discover practical strategies that benefit both your employees and your business success.
What does resilience look like in the face of unthinkable loss? Debbie McClintock found herself navigating that question when she lost both her husband Pete and son Logan to suicide within five months. Rather than letting grief define her story, she chose to honor how they lived.
"Pete had a really big heart," Debbie shares, describing a quiet computer programmer who loved chess and telling corny jokes. Logan, her "wanderer and dreamer," was sharp-witted with aspirations to teach English abroad. Father and son shared a special bond on the Appalachian Trail—a connection that later inspired a remarkable journey toward healing and advocacy.
Through therapy, scholarships, and becoming "trail angels," Debbie celebrated their legacies. A gift from her now-husband, Chip—a license plate honoring Logan’s trail name “Wolverine”—sparked a realization: Ohio had no suicide prevention plate. Within two years, they helped pass legislation signed by Governor Mike DeWine.
Today, Ohio’s first suicide prevention license plate raises awareness for the 988 Crisis Lifeline and supports men’s mental health programs. Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.
According to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, the economic impact of domestic violence in Ohio is formidable, costing the state $1.2 billion annually. Yet only $20 million is allocated to combat this crisis. This discrepancy affects thousands: while nearly 10,000 Ohioans found shelter last year, over 8,000 were turned away due to capacity issues. Annually, around 188,000 experience intimate partner violence, resulting in more than 100 fatalities.
We explore the complex web connecting domestic violence with brain injuries, substance use disorders, and suicide risk. Furthermore, evolving technologies offer new methods for abuse. Nonetheless, there remains hope, as one survivor said, "After trauma, it is possible to live a life you love."
The looming deadline for Ohio's budget, which Governor Mike DeWine must sign by June 30th at midnight, creates an urgent backdrop for critical conversations about mental health funding. As pandemic-era federal dollars disappear from community pipelines, state lawmakers face increasingly difficult decisions about which programs to fund and which to scale back.
State Representative Jodi Salvo, a Republican, and State Senator Casey Weinstein, a Democrat, offer candid perspectives regarding budget challenges. Their shared commitment to the mental well-being of their constituents provides hope that even after facing economic constraints, Ohio can continue building on recent progress in suicide prevention and mental health support.
Executive Director Tony Coder describes OSPF's continual evolution to save lives by saying 2025 is a year to innovate. Tony joins this episode to look at the current state of mental health and suicide prevention in Ohio and beyond, plus details the initiatives that are growing and innovating to meet the needs in every corner of our state. Tony, Rachel, and Scott also tick through every campaign at OSPF with a high-level view of impactful outreach to young people, senior citizens, firearms owners, African American communities, and others where a specialized approach is needed. Indeed, OSPF is meeting that need. The partnerships and collaborations we've built not just in Ohio but nationally are expanding but there's always room for more mental health champions! Please listen to Tony's passionate plea to join this effort for you, your friends, neighbors, and family members. One community meeting, one Zoom call, and one new beginning can break more stigmas, break barriers to care, and ultimately, save lives. We know this at OSPF because we see these remarkable efforts every day!
There are statistics and there is culture. And sometimes, when the two mix, the outcome, to be very blunt, can be deadly. Black children 5-12 years old have been dying by suicide at double the rate of their white counterparts. Myriad factors contribute to that, including schools, poverty, hunger, crime, and access to healthcare. A recent survey of Black people points to nearly two-thirds of them saying a mental health condition is a sign of weakness. As with just about everything with mental health and suicide prevention, there's a lot of work to do. Fortunately, in Ohio, we have national leaders and advocates doing the work every day. There is also a campaign, “Life is Better With You Here,” solely focused on the mental health of the Black community. In this episode, renowned researcher, clinical psychologist and OSPF Consultant, Dr. Josephine Ridley, and entrepreneur and advocate Tracee Garrett join the show to talk about how this dynamic campaign helps address mental health obstacles facing Black communities. As Dr. Ridley adamantly shares, hope is powerful in someone's mental health journey but so is hopelessness. And we have to talk about both.
You've heard people say, 'Now that guy has lived a life!' It's an axiom that absolutely describes Dino Tripodis. You may know him as a former morning DJ for two decades in the Columbus radio market. But along the way, he's also been a private investigator, a touring comedian, an author, a screenwriter, a movie producer, and now an ambassador for us at OSPF! As Dino puts it, guys like him born in Gary, Indiana and then raised both in Chicago and Greece, aren't born and bred to talk about their mental health but if he has anything to do with it, that'll change. Here's the thing about Dino's amazing journey with stops all over the world: depression has been a constant throughout, and he's an open book about his battles with it. He also reveals to Scott and Rachel his secret weapon to fighting depression no matter where he's been or what he was doing at the time. And as we head into a new year, Dino is really excited to talk about his role with an OSPF campaign called 'Man Therapy'. He's a gifted storyteller, and it's his gifts in this episode that just may connect with a loved one or friend in need right now.
When you bring together a Marine and construction safety executive with a youth pastor, two-time cancer survivor, and fellow construction leader, you get a dynamic conversation filled with passion and purpose. Johel Woodliff is a Safety Director at Walsh Construction and Paul Lawson is a Construction Executive and Mental Health Advocate who join Scott and Rachel for this month's episode on the suicide crisis in the construction industry. We don't use that word lightly — crisis. Johel and Paul adamantly say it has reached a crisis point and there's data, unfortunately, to back that up. Fortunately, both men can also point to programs and conversations taking place ON construction sites not only making the job site safer but keeping those workers safer, healthier and living a better life. This episode elevates that conversation and also provides ways for construction companies to start a mental health and suicide prevention plan.
Clinicians, mental health specialists and non-profits around Ohio know Denise Meine Graham and her passion, humanity, grace and yes, trauma, related to suicide. She lost her son, Drey, to suicide more than 10 years ago. She later attended a conference about supportive services and then started providing that support herself. She founded LOSS Community Services in 2014 and since then, more than 5000 loss survivors were provided support through the LOSS Team model. It wasn't always this way and there's certainly more support to be fostered. But just a couple of decades ago, people had to wait more than 4 years after a suicide death to find support. That's not a typo. 4 years. Fast forward to today, and the man who created the LOSS model in the 90's, has tapped Denise to take over and bring this model to even more states nationwide. As you'll hear, she's more than up for the job!
When was the last time you clicked on a story knowing full well it was pure clickbait but you wanted a quick smile during your day and that story did its job! Hey, we all do it. From a changing mainstream media landscape to algorithmic calculations for your social media feeds, companies know two things: our time is valuable and our attention spans are short. However, when it comes to reporting on something as tragic and often as jarring as suicide, a quick social media post can actually cause more harm than good. Fortunately, a team of researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital received a grant to study this, to talk to journalists, see the demands on their day and set about helping them fully understand suicide and thus, better educate the masses when reporting on it. NCH's Dr. John Ackerman led this study and leads the hospital's Center for Suicide Prevention and Research. He talked with former 28-year journalist Scott Light who hosts the OSPF podcast. Their conversation was part of a recent OSPF webinar.
Many people see a young, powerful and supremely fluid athlete on a field or court and think, 'What it must be like to have the world in the palm of your hand?' But the truth is, mental health concerns and suicide in collegiate student-athletes have increased over the past ten years. There are immense pressures on these young people from the rigors of practice, class work and of course, performance on game day. Not to mention, the ruthless and many times, unfair criticism of their athleticism on social media. Dr. Jamey Houle at Ohio State University knows all sides of this: he was an All-American gymnast and NCAA champion who went on to get his PhD in Counseling Psychology. He's been a sports psychologist at OSU for three years and his core responsibilities include providing and managing sports psychology services to OSU student athletes. This podcast episode derived from a webinar presentation to discuss intervention strategies with Dr. Houle to address suicide prevention through resilience building and positive coping skill development hosted by OSPF's Megan Rowe.
Tia Marcel Moretti is Chief Advisor and Deputy Director of The Office of Community & Family Resiliency within the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. It's a long title but you could likely sum up her life's work and philosophy this way - 'let's serve people and get the work done!' She's reached the highest levels of state government as an appointee of Governor Mike DeWine but it's the work, heart and sheer grit that's really the amazing part of her journey. Tia is just now starting to share her incredible story: at times, homeless as a teenager and not knowing where her next meal would come. There was love in her home for sure but it was unstable so she had to build her own foundation through friends, mentors, teachers and social workers. In fact, that's exactly why she studied social work in college to one day be that guiding light and influence for someone else. Listen and share this powerful episode as it's a lesson in resiliency for ALL of us.
Just about every city, town and county in Ohio is celebrating June and Pride Month. Columbus hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the entire country! At the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, we're committed to helping everyone find their true voice and the resources they need for mental health and suicide prevention. We enthusiastically join the celebration of Pride Month and also realize with any movement, there are still stigmas and stereotypes to break and more coalitions to build. Our guests this month, Ali Alkhalifa and Brianna Rhodes are many things: activists, educators, artists, and youth leaders. So let's talk Pride Month, building coalitions, breaking stereotypes, the good and not-so-good of social media, and what young people share with their teachers that they don't share with their parents.
According to NAMI, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by the age of 14. 75% by the age of 24. This tells us many things including the vast importance of early diagnosis and the continued push to break stigmas around mental health and suicide. The more than 70 County Suicide Prevention Coalitions statewide do exactly that every single day: break stigmas, push for more and better mental health services and create safe spaces for awareness, education, and community action. In this month's episode, we talk with two dynamic leaders at the coalition level; Colleen Oakes, Senior Program Coordinator for the ADAMHS Board of Montgomery County and Elena Aslanides-Kandis, Suicide and Resiliency Services Coordinator for Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery. As you'll hear from Elena and Colleen, this is brick-building. It takes just one person to get involved, advocate, or volunteer, which leads to another person getting involved. And that can save lives.
Data doesn't lie. Agriculture is Ohio's biggest industry. $124 BILLION-plus in economic output every year. But there's another number on which we want to focus too; according to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. In Ohio, from a 2022 survey of farmers here, 1 in 10 had an at-risk score on a depression screening tool which indicated they had a higher risk of experiencing depression. It's believed that 1 in 10 figure is under-reported too. Here to talk about it is Ohio's Agriculture Director, Brian Baldridge, a farmer himself and someone who absolutely knows firsthand the myriad stressors facing the agriculture industry. Among many tools and resources, his department has a dedicated campaign called 'Got Your Back' which OSPF is proud to be part of. Director Baldridge also discusses how farmers and agriculture producers of this generation and the next can continue to make their voices heard for better mental health and suicide prevention. After all, these are our family, friends and neighbors who put food on our tables every single day; let's support them both professionally and personally!
March is Women's History Month and for a long time in history, women have heard things like this when it comes to pregnancy, parenthood and postpartum depression: 'Isn't being pregnant just the best?' 'It's just the baby blues, it'll go away on its own.' 'Postpartum depression will likely lead to bad parenting.' Fact: PPD is a mental health condition, and no mother is weak or a poor parent if they experience it. It's actually just the opposite. Moms (and dads) who speak up and share their experiences break stigmas, help other parents and ultimately help babies, families and drive better health outcomes. We're doing just that with OSPF's Associate Director, Molly Mottram, who shares her real, unvarnished stories about difficult pregnancies, postpartum depression and finding her strength in both. Plus, as always, we share resources where you or someone you know, or love can get help.
Just about every time Jordyn Peaks speaks out about her suicide attempt, she breaks stigmas, which is why we're so grateful she shared her story with us and with you for our February episode. She's heard this in one form or another many times, 'You're on TV, you're smart, beautiful and so driven, how could you have a suicide scare?' Truth is, anyone can. Jordyn talks openly about her journey: the darkness, the tears and the lights that finally shone through and led the way for her to achieve so much. Those lights are many: her family, friends and faith just to name a few. Speaking of, Jordyn's mother, Alicia, joins the episode to share her perspective from a parent's point of view. We're also honored to have such two powerful guests to reflect on February's designation as Black History Month.
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is so proud to kick off another year of 'Voices for Suicide Prevention' to break stigmas, break barriers and save lives. We're doing it in grand fashion too with new co-host, Rachel Tilson, OSPF's Director of Development. Rachel has a personal and powerful story to tell, and you'll hear it in this episode. Our guest this month is the Director of Recovery Ohio, Aimee Shadwick, who has a powerful story to share as well. She's been on the front lines of mental health and addiction services advocacy for decades at local, regional and state levels. The director also talks candidly about finding even deeper inspiration for this work from a close family member who experienced addiction. Plus, find out what Ohio is doing to recruit and retain professionals to these fields so when our friends, family members and neighbors are in need, they can get help.
Legendary news anchor Ron Burgundy, Parks and Rec's Ron Swanson and Man Therapy's Dr. Rich Mahogany. What's that? Dr. Mahogany not quite ringing a bell? Well, it's time you met him and in this episode you will! What do these manly men have in common besides awesome mustaches? They're all characters meant to make us both laugh and look in the mirror. Dr. Mahogany is actually the main character for a very real, effective (and yes, funny) mental health campaign called Man Therapy. In this episode, you'll hear from one of its driving creative forces and plus get to know OSPF's Program Director, Austin Lucas. Man Therapy has some levity to it but its core message is straight-up serious business; men die by suicide more than women and are often un-prepared or worse, shunned if they come forward with a mental health challenge. Join us in changing this dynamic by one podcast, one person, and even one laugh at a time.
Have you ever worn a cowboy hat or boots? Ever ordered barbeque at a restaurant or hickory smoked some ribs 'low and slow' on your own? Cowboy hats didn't originate in Texas and barbeque didn't come from the South. All of these things and so many more originated from Latin, Spanish and Hispanic cultures in other countries. We celebrate that in today's episode with a powerful and poignant leader who's a proud Columbian American. Michelle Vargas is Director of the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition at Mental Health America of Ohio. We lift up this month for other vital reasons as too many Hispanic Ohioans and Americans don't have access to mental health services and there's a disproportionate number of young Hispanics, especially, reporting suicidal ideation and attempts. Michelle also discusses different stigmas and stereotypical challenges these cultures face plus how to address these challenges through empathy, awareness and kindness.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect on our efforts across the state, spread awareness, and end stigma surrounding suicide. Suicide can affect anyone – no matter their age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. And that’s important to remember, especially when you may encounter someone who is in crisis. In today’s episode, you'll hear the very real stories of survivors and their messages of hope and guidance for all of us as we continue to do this work. Content warning: this episode features personal details about suicidal thoughts and actions. If this is something that you feel might to be triggering, we highly recommend you skip past this episode. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please call or text 988.
Christine Vineis builds big things. She's done it her whole career and now she's taking on cyber addiction with her grassroots movement, Families Against Social Media Addiction. As she simply and powerfully says, 'it's not a fair fight'; from algorithms that keep us all engaged to the U.S. Surgeon General with his recent warning that there isn't enough data to even say if social media is safe for young, growing minds. Evidence is mounting that social media is a driving factor in the mental health of young people and negative experiences online are leading to increased self-harm and suicide. We need to do more and that's Chris' goal. It begins with awareness, which leads to activating voices, which then leads to change. Parents also need more tools and resources, and that's part of this campaign too. Listen right now and join a movement with burgeoning roots here in Ohio!
Learn the name Fatimah Kobo. She's going places, doing big things, shaping minds and re-shaping perceptions on mental health, especially among minority populations in Ohio. She's an Americorps Vista working with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. The Vista program is a federal program where some 7000+ people from all backgrounds assist organizations alleviate poverty. Fatimah is also a proud Muslim and she hopes her faith, like many, will put a greater emphasis on the acceptance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She's talking about that very thing in her role as a Vista and at OSPF. She's also remarkably poised, open and brave when talking about her own struggles with mental health. Quite simply, Fatimah will 'go there' to break stigmas, reduce stereotypes and breakthrough with real, honest conversations. She's a leader on the rise and you heard her here first!
The Trevor Project has done and continues to do so much every day for LGBTQ+ youth: from research to crisis services to education to Trevor Space, this organization is there 24/7. (They've even won an Academy Award!) Trevor's Public Training Manager, Keygan Miller, joins this episode to talk about the state of mental health and suicide prevention for young people. They know this stuff. As a former classroom educator, Keygan's passion is education, listening, learning and empathy. Plus, The Trevor Project has surveyed and talked to more than 25,000 young people about what's going on in their lives: from true hopes to true struggles.
It's estimated that Asian American women are the second highest suicidal demographic and yet Asian Americans are often the least likely to receive mental health resources. There are many factors that have led to this, but if there's positivity moving forward, it's this; Asian Americans -- from actors to academics, educators to every-day people -- are talking about it. In this month's episode, Cassie and Scott talk with a leading scholar who opens up about her own challenges with depression and mental health. Dr. Pata Suyemoto is also Training Director for the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association so she's helping to lead the charge to break stigma, engage leaders, and set a new course. You'll also hear from actress Anna Akana who lost her sister to suicide. Her grief process included everything from facing her parents antiquated thinking to creating a comedy routine and going very public about her journey.
In this episode, we talk to Tracey Vitchers, the Executive Director of 'It's On Us', whose mission is to combat sexual assault on college campuses by engaging all students, including young men, and activating the largest student organizing program of its kind in grassroots awareness and prevention. Tracey tells us how she found her calling to combat sexual violence on campus while she was on campus herself -- as young undergrad focused on Women’s Studies. She continued those studies in graduate school too, and has since launched movements, non-profits, worked in the Obama White House, and become a national voice on sexual violence, prevention, and survivor advocacy.
If traumatic is in the name, that can make it a subject all the more difficult to talk about. However, we must. 1 in 4 Ohioans have or will experience a traumatic brain injury and that number is likely under-reported. A TBI can result from a fall down the steps, playing a contact sport or being victimized by domestic violence. But Ohio is also fortunate in that we're producing cutting edge research into the brain that leads to effective treatment of the brain. Joining the episode are two such experts: Dr. Nicole Fornalski, a Postdoctoral Fellow in Rehabilitation Neuropsychology and Brei Miller, Program Director for the Ohio Brain Injury Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. They talk to Cassie and Scott about these injuries, their correlation to suicide and how you can broach this topic with someone even if they're not quite ready to discuss it.
Numbers and data don't lie. Compared to White communities, African Black communities experience more suicides and known factors that lead to them like increased exposure to violence and decreased access to mental health care. This episode is dedicated to exploring that data because behind every statistic is a person, with family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Cassie and Scott talk with one of the leading voices in Ohio and nationally, former State Senator Charleta Tavares, about a crisis not getting the attention it deserves and what we ALL can do about it.
2022 brought about the launch of 988, and the continuing effort to bring suicide prevention and mental health under the overall scope of everyone's health care. Today's episode features OSPF Executive Director, Tony Coder, and new COO, Molly Mottram. Together, they look back at strides made last year and work that continues this year. You'll also hear new details on plans by OSPF to bring suicide prevention awareness to more Ohioans especially in communities of color. Plus, Tony and Molly find inspiration from another state trying a different approach to crisis care and saving taxpayer dollars too!
If you read Danny Eakins resume, you'd immediately say, 'Now, that's a life of service to others.' He rose to the rank of Major in the U.S. Military, led a tank platoon in some 300 combat missions in Iraq, he's Governor DeWine's Team Leader for the National Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Veterans, Service Members and Families, an appointee to the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board and Danny is also a frequent public speaker on behalf of veterans’ advocacy. He's recently remarried and enjoying life as a step-father too. What his resume doesn't say (or anyone's for that matter) is why he's such a fierce advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. It's because he's walked that path of a suicide attempt, loneliness, physical and mental pain, but found professional help and a supportive community to persevere through dark times. In this podcast, he talks about all of it in candid, raw honesty that'll leave you inspired, grateful and hopefully more empathic to others in need.
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and this episode is dedicated to just that; talking about depression as the debilitating influence it can be and the myriad ways millions of people have embraced living with it, treating it and overcoming it. Our two guests walk this walk every day in their personal and professional lives and bravely share their lived experiences with you. Cassie Martindell is Communications Directors for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and Bailey Fullwiler is Statewide Mental Health First Aid Program Manager for Mental Health America of Ohio. After listening to this episode, you'll be inspired to look in the mirror, reflect on your own life, seek help, help a friend or maybe all of the above. https://www.ohiospf.org/ https://mhaohio.org/
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation has launched many firsts and will do so again September 29th for the first ever, Art of Healing Benefit for Suicide Prevention. This semi-formal dinner presented by White Castle is mission driven with a purpose of breaking stigmas around suicide through the healing power of art. In this episode, you'll meet an Ohio executive and artist who bravely shares the loss of her husband and the 3 pieces of art she created to signify that journey. White Castle’s chief manufacturing officer, Dave Rife, also bravely shares the story of losing his adult son to suicide just a few years ago and why this is such an important mission for the franchise. You'll be inspired by both of these people and inspired to continue to break stigmas around mental health and suicide prevention.
The title of this month's episode is a quote from our guest but it has nothing to do with fighting the battle of suicidology or suicide prevention. It's fighting the battle of a 24/7 'screen world'. We're so fortunate to have Nationwide Children's Hospital Clinical Psychologist, Dr. John Ackerman, to join and explain what is happening to those young brains that are constantly exposed to information, media, social media and digital interaction. Dr. Ackerman leads Nationwide's Center for Suicide Prevention and Research and also led a group of clinicians and professors (Ohio University) in developing new guidelines for journalists when they're reporting on suicide. He talks with host, Scott Light, about suicide and perceptions in journalism and thus, the public's broader perception of suicide.
By no means are we saying, 'don't be nice'. Of course not. But for our latest episode dedicated to youth mental health, you'll hear from a man whose family name is associated with comedic genius and tragic heartbreak. Tom Farley is also a Midwesterner through and through so you'll have to stay tuned and hear his 'Midwestern mask' comment for yourself. Tom has toured the country for years talking to young people about addiction and mental health. He's a father, writer, entertainer and brother to the late Chris Farley of SNL and movie fame. Also joining us is Dr. Sarah Denny from Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She brings her clinical and medical expertise plus advice and even her insecurities to the conversation as a mother of teenagers. Sarah and Tom also talk with host, Scott Light, about finding outlets: whether creative, athletic, quiet or whatever outlet you may need and want. Just find it. Even for a few minutes a day.
OSPF celebrates and honors June Pride month with special guests from the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland https://lgbtcleveland.org/ and Kaleidoscope Youth Center of Columbus https://www.kycohio.org/. Ohio cities and towns hosted many Pride celebrations this month but there's still so much advocacy and stigma-breaking to do as LGBTQ+ youth, especially, have much higher rates of suicide. Listen in, get loud about mental health and let's make everyone feel loved, welcomed and accepted.
We wrap up the month of May and honor its designation as Mental Health Awareness Month with 2 guests who show the world on a daily basis their strength, grace, and dedication to helping others. Jeff Heck of 33 Forever and Denise Meine-Graham of OSPF have experienced unfathomable losses and yet they continue to offer their hands, their hearts, and their voices to suicide prevention. In this episode, we examine what we're doing well in terms of prevention and advocacy and where challenges still exist. Plus, Jeff and Denise just offer steadfast optimism that we can all learn from any day, any month, anytime.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and to honor it, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is launching a brand new and historic campaign! It's called Life Side Ohio. For the first time in Ohio, there's dedicated outreach to the firearms community regarding mental health and suicide prevention. This episode features 3 terrific leaders who've been instrumental in helping OSPF launch Life Side. We're also officially launching statewide May 3rd with 3 public events in Hamilton, Columbus and Cleveland. Our ask is simple - if you're a passionate gun owner and just as passionate about good health, safety and good mental health -- then join us. That's it. We're also adamant about what we don't do. We don't talk politics and don't wade into debates on gun legislation, bills or statutes. From this podcast episode to our launch events to our efforts post May 3rd, you'll see and hear, that Life Side Ohio is ALL about bringing people together for one common goal --o save more lives.
OSU offensive lineman, Harry Miller, medically retired from the sport this month to focus on his mental health. He told his emotional story to a worldwide audience through social media and on NBC's The Today Show. You'll hear from Harry in his own words along with two experts: Tyler Hudson, a PhD candidate with a master's degree in mental health counseling. Plus, Jason Hughes, program manager and veterans liaison for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Both men are veterans, too, and add an even deeper layer to the conversation with their combined decades of military service. OSPF dedicates this episode to men's mental health.
Warning: this episode contains graphic content such as rape and molestation. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault please reach out to the national sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
"I'm 41 and alive!" That's the quote of one woman you're about to meet. You'll actually meet two incredible women: that 41-year-old mom who shares her life story on suicide attempts and her road to therapy, health, fitness and gratitude. The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation proudly dedicates this episode to February's Black History Month and you'll also meet a leading Ohio researcher who shares data, trends and challenges in the Black community regarding suicide and suicide prevention.
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, Executive Director, Tony Coder, and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Bureau Chief, Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson come together to discuss the stigma that surrounds suicide and what we can do as a state to overcome it. Join us in our premiere episode as we tackle the hard statistics of suicide as well as personal stories until no more lives are lost to suicide.