Shows
Hope Starts With UsHow Storytelling Can Create Cultural Changes Featuring Frank KosaAt NAMI, we know that sharing stories about mental health conditions helps reduce stigma still held by far too many. In this episode, NAMI CEO Dan Gillison is joined by award-winning documentary producer-writer-director Frank Kosa. Frank is also an executive producer of the podcast “Brain Stories,” which demonstrates commitment to changing mainstream culture by creating awareness and caring for people living with mental health conditions. During Dan and Frank’s conversation, listeners will hear about NAMI family education courses, the impact of sharing stories, and how storytelling can change minds and culture. You can find additional episodes of this...
2026-01-2837 min
Hope Starts With UsYour Story Has Power Featuring Samantha VittenglSharing your mental health story takes strength, resilience, and courage – and it is so worth it. Every person’s mental health story has power: Power to create change, reduce stigma and discrimination, and build community. In this episode, NAMI CEO Dan Gillison joins Maybelline New York’s Samantha Vittengl as she shares how mental health has touched her life, how her family navigated the process of finding help, and how they learned they are not alone. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a po...
2026-01-1432 min
Hope Starts With UsDriving Mental Health Innovation Through Advocacy and Community Support Featuring Darcy Gruttadaro and Hannah WesolowskiIn this episode, NAMI CEO Dan Gillison explores NAMI's accomplishments throughout 2025 in conversation with retiring Chief Innovation Officer Darcy Gruttadaro and Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski. Together, they discuss growth in NAMI's initiatives focused on youth mental health, success in our advocacy efforts, and the importance of our grassroots community. Listeners will also hear about the significant amount of bipartisan support for mental health policies, as well as the ongoing challenges that remain in the mental health landscape. Finally, Dan, Darcy, and Hannah reflect on what gives them hope and helps them continue working toward mental health equity and...
2025-12-3043 min
Hope Starts With UsHow Family Support Can Help Mental Health Recovery Featuring Major General Gregg F. Martin, Retired, and Maggie RyanWhen navigating a new mental health diagnosis, there are a lot of ways someone’s life can change. If family support is available, the journey to recovery and stabilization can feel at least a little less challenging. In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Major General Gregg F. Martin, retired, and his wife Maggie Ryan to explore the connections between family support, caregiving, and recovery from mental illness. During this conversation, listeners will hear about what types of support caregivers want, how families can address mental health stigma, and advice about navigating a mental he...
2025-11-2644 min
Hope Starts With UsRelease Stigma and Hold on to Hope Featuring Carnie WilsonLearning to navigate depression and other mental health conditions takes a village of support and care. In this episode, Carnie Wilson, founding member of Wilson Philips, joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss her mental health journey. Growing up, Carnie experienced depression and anxiety and sought to numb her pain. Today, she is an advocate for mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding effects of tardive dyskinesia (TD). Listeners will hear from Carnie about how she advocates for mental health, her experiences with mental health, and more. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI p...
2025-11-1931 min
Hope Starts With UsStronger Than You Think: Athletes on Mental Health and Resilience Featuring Christine D’Ercole, Rachel McArthur, Imani McGee-Stafford, Allison Schmitt, and Anne WintroubBehind the medals, records, and highlight reels are stories of perseverance that extend beyond physical performance. In this powerful keynote panel from NAMICon 2025, world-class cyclist and Peloton instructor Christine D’Ercole; former WNBA player and mental health advocate Imani McGee-Stafford; Olympic gold medalist swimmer Allison Schmitt; and middle distance track & field athlete representing ASICS Rachel McArthur open up about their personal mental health journeys — sharing the challenges they've faced and how they continue to prioritize mental health in high-performance environments. Moderated by Anne Wintroub, head of social impact and engagement at lululemon, this conversation explores what it means to be t...
2025-11-121h 00
Hope Starts With UsPathways to Address Youth Mental Health Featuring Taanvi Arekapudi; Pooja Tandon, MD, MPH; and Dr. Christine CrawfordNAMI joined Macy’s Social Impact Collaborative, along with the Trust for Public Land and other nonprofit organizations, to conduct a study with the goal of gaining a better understanding of what is impacting youth mental health – directly from young people themselves. In this episode, guest host Kate Kennedy-Lynch talks with NAMI Associate Medical Director Dr. Christine Crawford, the Trust for Public Land’s Dr. Pooja Tandon, and Taanvi Arekapudi, a young person who participated in the youth study. Together, they will discuss key findings from the study, where young people are looking for help, how outdoor time can help f...
2025-10-2936 min
Hope Starts With UsBreaking Through: Combating the Silent Suicide Crisis in Men’s Mental Health Featuring Raymond Braun, James Longman, and Don Mordecai, MDIn this special episode recorded during NAMICon 2025, hear from a panel of mental health champions who bravely share their personal stories of struggle, survival, and hope. Raymond Braun and James Longman share their personal, lived experiences of mental health and serious mental illness while Don Mordecai, MD, shares his expert knowledge. Through this episode, listeners will be inspired by their commitment to challenge stigma, break down silence, and create spaces for connection, healing, and recovery. Listeners will also discover the critical work Calm and Kaiser Permanente are doing to support men’s mental health through awareness, education, and...
2025-10-081h 06
Hope Starts With UsShining the Spotlight on Youth Mental Health Featuring Da’VinchiActor and mental health advocate Da’Vinchi joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. for a conversation about making waves in mental health. As an advocate, Da’Vinchi uses his platform and voice to have widespread conversations about mental health stigma within Black and Brown communities, as well as the loneliness epidemic and rising rates of depression and suicide for youth. Throughout this conversation, hear from Da’Vinchi about why he advocates for mental health, what is changing in Hollywood, and what youth need to feel supported.You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others...
2025-10-0123 min
Hope Starts With UsHow Food Nourishes Mental Well-being Featuring Carla HallEvery one of us has taken solace in “comfort food” before and knows how much what we eat can impact our moods. In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. speaks with Carla Hall, a chef, host, and author. After recently participating in an episode of Celebrity Family Feud benefitting NAMI, Carla joined Dan to talk about her mental health journey and current projects, as well as how food can support mental well-being and keep memories alive.You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With...
2025-09-2427 min
Hope Starts With UsLights, Cameras, Hope Featuring Candace WashingtonNAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. talks with Candace Washington, licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C), psychotherapist, production therapist, suicide survivor, and a United States Air Force Veteran, to kick off Suicide Prevention Month this September. The pair discuss Candace’s mental health journey, lessons she has learned, faith, the entertainment industry, and suicide prevention. If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out for help today. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat options, to speak with a trained support specialist. You can find additional episodes of this...
2025-09-1146 min
Hope Starts With UsBack to School Tips for Parents and Caregivers Featuring Dr. Christine Crawford and Barb SolishGoing back to school can be tough for kids – and their parents. In this episode, Barb Solish, from NAMI’s Office of Innovation, guest hosts for a conversation with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Christine Crawford. Hear from Dr. Crawford about what parents are worried about, how to address screen time for children, and modeling behavior at home. Plus, hear about what mental health warning signs parents can watch for and when to escalate concerns. To hear more from Dr. Crawford, check out her recent appearance on The TODAY Show and her previous “Hope Starts With Us”...
2025-08-2133 min
Hope Starts With UsHow Reading and Mental Health Skills Help Kids Grow Featuring Alicia LeviNAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. discusses childhood literacy and youth mental well-being with President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental, Alicia Levi. Brought together by our shared partnership with Macy’s, these leaders explore how Reading Is Fundamental and NAMI’s missions align. This episode asks: By developing reading and mental well-being skills, can we increase the chances that these children grow into adults who are better equipped to care for their mental health? The Back to School Round Up at the Register campaign runs from July 1 – September 14, 2025. Learn more about NAMI and Reading Is Fundamental’s partners...
2025-08-1335 min
Hope Starts With UsHealing and Harmony in American Indian Communities Featuring Mechelle Negrete and Stephanie RobertsonThis episode is part of NAMI’s recognition of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Saturday, August 9. In this episode, guest host Stephanie Robertson, Director of Mental Health Equity Innovation, is joined by Mechelle Negrete, NAMI’s Manager of American Indian Mental Health Community Outreach. They discuss their experiences with mental health, how they became mental health advocates, barriers to care for American Indian communities, what change they hope to see, and more. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a pod...
2025-08-0624 min
Hope Starts With UsWhat Comes Next for Mental Health and Medicaid Featuring Jennifer Snow and Hannah WesolowskiIn this follow-up conversation about Medicaid and mental health advocacy, NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski discusses Medicaid cuts and advocacy opportunities with Jennifer Snow, NAMI's National Director of Government Relations and Policy. Listeners will hear their expert opinions on how Medicaid cuts just passed by Congress will impact people with mental health conditions and their families, policies NAMI will be monitoring, how supporters can stay involved, and more. Plus, hear from Hannah and Jen about the third anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and NAMI’s recent public opinion polling about 988.You can find addi...
2025-07-3043 min
Hope Starts With UsThe Importance of Mental Health Care for Minoritized Communities Featuring Dr. Sheldon A. Jacobs and Dr. Judith JosephJuly is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of her legacy, this episode features Dr. Sheldon A. Jacobs and Dr. Judith Joseph in conversation with NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. Our guests share their mental health stories and what drove them to become mental health professionals. They also discuss helping young Black people explore mental health careers, mental health for Caribbean Americans, and what they wish communities knew about mental health care.You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts...
2025-07-1646 min
Hope Starts With UsHow Consistency Supports Communities After Traumatic Events Featuring Erin Raftery Ryan and Dr. Shauna "Doc" SpringerFollowing their previous conversations in episodes 63 and 70, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined again by NAMI Westside Los Angeles CEO Erin Raftery Ryan and Stella Mental Health Chief Psychologist Shauna “Doc” Springer. This episode asks us to consider how we continue to support communities after traumatic events occur and after the news is no longer “breaking.” How can local community members support each other? How can caring folks who are far away contribute to efforts to heal? How can traumatic events happening around the world affect your mental health? Find out the answers to these questions and more in...
2025-07-091h 00
Hope Starts With UsPride, Mental Health, and Advocacy Featuring Juan AcostaIn this episode recognizing Pride Month, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Juan Acosta, a mental health advocate and LGBTQI+ activist. During this conversation, the group explores Juan’s mental health journey, how he mixes mental health and LGBTQI+ advocacy, what change he hopes to see, and what’s next for him. They also discuss the California legislature recognizing Juan as a 2025 Pride Month honoree in 2025.You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alli...
2025-06-2528 min
Hope Starts With UsFaith and Compassion in Mental Health Featuring Christian BentleyThe relationship someone has with their faith community can have a big impact on their mental health journey. In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. and Christian Bentley discuss how Christian’s Catholic faith and community have helped him navigate the bipolar 1 disorder diagnosis he received. Their conversation explores how self-acceptance and how inclusion, compassion, and care contribute to how he manages his own mental health – and how these values could help others on their journey, too.You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Star...
2025-06-1146 min
Hope Starts With UsBonus Edition: Join Us for NAMICon!In this bonus drop, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is personally inviting you to join us for NAMICon 2025!NAMICon is where hundreds of dynamic and important voices unite to improve mental health for all through awareness, education, and advocacy. It’s a space where personal journeys are celebrated, positive change takes root, and new connections foster support, hope, and healing.From June 11-13, NAMI is meeting mental health champions where you are. NAMICon 2025 is virtual and registration costs are low. UPDATE 6/9/2025: Registration will be open until June 12 at 5 pm ET! Register at con...
2025-06-0402 min
Hope Starts With UsTreasuring Moms’ Mental Health Featuring Kate Kennedy-Lynch, Barb Solish, and Alessandra TorresaniBecoming a parent brings many changes to anyone’s life. To add to the changes, balancing new or forthcoming parenthood with mental health conditions might feel difficult. In this episode, guest host Barb Solish, NAMI’s National Director of Innovation, is joined by Kate Kennedy-Lynch, NAMI Director of External Relations, and Alessandra Torresani, actress, podcast host, and NAMI Ambassador. They discuss their own lived experiences navigating mental health conditions before, during, and after their pregnancies, sharing what they’ve learned throughout their mental health journeys. Finally, they share ways they’ve found to balance mental health and parenthood for Mental H...
2025-05-2850 min
Hope Starts With UsMental Health Care Rooted in Community Featuring Dr. Sidney HankersonIn this episode, Stephanie Robertson, NAMI’s Director of Mental Health Equity Innovation, is joined by Dr. Sidney Hankerson, Associate Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. They discuss the incredible work being done in local communities by Dr. Hankerson’s work with the HOPE Center and TRIUMPH study. Dr. Hankerson also explores the ways these programs collaborate with community-based organizations and offers advice about building meaningful and lasting partnerships that support mental health through initiatives rooted in community.You can find additional episodes of this NAMI...
2025-05-2142 min
Hope Starts With UsLiving With Anxiety and Thriving as Young Adults Featuring Srihitha Dasari, Nadiyah Fisher, Anuj Gandhi, and Caitlyn JenningsMay is National Anxiety Awareness Month, so four members of NAMI Next Gen joined NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to talk about their experiences with anxiety. In this episode, Srihitha Dasari, Nadiyah Fisher, Anuj Gandhi, and Caitlyn Jennings share stories about their mental health journeys with us. Their conversation will cover their personal experiences, the many different types of anxiety, some ideas for managing anxiety, how mental health education can help youth, and more. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a...
2025-05-141h 00
Hope Starts With UsTake Time to Recharge Featuring David KoTaking care of your health includes mental health, too. In this episode, NAMI CEO and host Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined in conversation with David Ko, CEO of Calm and author of the #1 bestselling book, “Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery One Conversation at a Time.” Together, they discuss why David wrote “Recharge,” how Calm highlights mental health at work, and supporting youth as they navigate life both online and off. Learn more about David's book, "Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery One Conversation at a Time" You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others...
2025-05-0748 min
Hope Starts With UsBraver Through Hope With NAMI HelpLine Volunteers Featuring Megan Rochford, Madison Rubert, and Dave TippettAt NAMI, we work to ensure that anyone experiencing mental health conditions knows that they are not alone. The staff and volunteers on our NAMI HelpLine and Teen & Young Adult HelpLine work on the frontline, responding to phone calls, texts, and chats from people seeking help. Today, host and NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by two NAMI HelpLine volunteers, Madison Rubert and Dave Tippett, along with NAMI HelpLine Operations Director Megan Rochford. In this conversation, we celebrate the hard work of our volunteers, discuss the recent accreditation from the International Council for HelpLines, and close out...
2025-04-2337 min
Hope Starts With UsCaring for Communities After Traumatic Events Featuring Erin Raftery Ryan and Dr. Shauna "Doc" SpringerFollowing their previous conversation in episode 63, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined again by NAMI West Los Angeles CEO Erin Raftery Ryan and Stella Mental Health Chief Psychologist Shauna “Doc” Springer. This episode asks us to consider how we continue to support communities after traumatic events occur and after the news is no longer “breaking.” How can local community members support each other? How can caring folks who are far away contribute to efforts to heal? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this continued conversation. Mentioned in this conversation, two additional resources...
2025-04-1653 min
Hope Starts With UsMedicaid and Mental Health: What Changes Could Mean for Our Community Featuring Sue Abderholden, Anita Burgos, and Hannah WesolowskiIn this episode, NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski guest hosts a special episode about Medicaid’s importance for the mental health community. Hannah is joined by NAMI Minnesota Executive Director Sue Abderholden and NAMI’s Director Public Policy, Anita Burgos. Together, they discuss the potential changes to federal Medicaid funding, what Medicaid is and why it’s so crucial, how federal funding cuts could impact states, and options for listeners to get involved and advocate for Medicaid and the mental health community.Learn more at nami.org/medicaidYou can find additional episodes of this...
2025-04-0929 min
Hope Starts With UsMental Health is Health Featuring Elliott ConnieIn this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Elliott Connie, a psychotherapist and advocate for mental health. This discussion focuses on Elliott Connie’s solution focused therapy practice, men’s mental health, and opening up conversations about mental health within Black communities. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larse...
2025-04-0248 min
Hope Starts With Us10 Years of Stepping Up With the National Association of Counties Featuring Matthew D. ChaseAs part of National Criminal Justice Month, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Matthew D. Chase, CEO/Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo). As long-time friends and colleagues, they will reflect on efforts to divert people with mental illness from the criminal justice system, including 10 years of the Stepping Up initiative, and where they see the work of and ways that local governments, like counties, have led the charge. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a...
2025-03-2646 min
Hope Starts With UsHonoring Women in Mental Health Featuring Jamie Gray Hyder, Alessandra Torresani, and DeWanda WiseNAMI was founded by families coming together in an alliance to advocate for mental health care and an end to discrimination against mental illness. While many family members were part of our founding, it was largely women leading at the helm. In this episode of “Hope Starts With Us,” we’re joined by three NAMI Ambassadors: guest host Alessandra Torresani, Jamie Gray Hyder, and DeWanda Wise. Together, they will explore the impact of significant women in mental health and how their contributions have helped pave the path to today’s mental health advocacy landscape.You can find addition...
2025-03-1239 min
Hope Starts With UsWhat Employees Need for Their Mental Health Featuring Darcy Gruttadaro and Brit WanstrathNAMI released our second poll about workplace mental health on February 27. The poll was conducted in partnership with Ipsos and highlights key findings for employees’ mental health at work. NAMI’s Chief Innovation Officer Darcy Gruttadaro serves as our guest host in discussion with Brit Wanstrath, NAMI’s Manager of Workplace Mental Health Initiatives. In this episode, the pair will discuss the poll’s four key findings, stigma surrounding mental health at work, and how employers can best support their workforce.You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope...
2025-03-0525 min
Hope Starts With UsUnderstanding Lived Experience With Eating Disorders Featuring Johanna Kandel and Alexandra MilesAs part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Johanna Kandel (National Alliance for Eating Disorders) and Alexandra Miles (Project Blackbird). Together, they discuss stigma facing those living with eating disorders, barriers to recovery, and what each guest wishes people knew about eating disorders. Connect with National Alliance for Eating Disorders at https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/Find Project Blackbird online at https://www.projectblackbirdinc.org/You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" i...
2025-02-2645 min
Hope Starts With UsHow To Care for Neighbors After Traumatic Events Featuring Erin Raftery Ryan and Dr. Shauna "Doc" SpringerIn the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025, many of us have questions about how we can best support those who have lost their homes, their memories, and their places in the world. This episode of “Hope Starts With Us” features NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. in conversation with NAMI West Los Angeles CEO Erin Raftery Ryan and Stella Mental Health Chief Psychologist Shauna “Doc” Springer. Through their conversation, the group shares stories from the fires, how to support our neighbors after traumatic events, the idea of ‘bright siding,’ and more. You can find additional ep...
2025-02-1944 min
Get Up! Mornings With Erica CampbellFULL SHOW | A Message to the Men; Healthy Ever After with Daniel Gillison; Love God Back; and MOREOn today's Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, the focus is on maintaining peace and building stronger relationships. Erica’s Faith Walk encourages listeners to prioritize peace in their lives, while Mr. Griffin shares a powerful message specifically for the men, empowering them to stay grounded. Ericaism emphasizes gratitude with a personal reflection on how glad she is that she stayed committed, both in life and in relationships. In Healthy Ever After, Daniel Gillison speaks on mental and emotional wellness, while Dr. Willie Jolley offers wisdom on the vital role God plays in marriage, reinforcing the importance of faith in...
2025-02-0553 min
Hope Starts With UsEnsuring Mental Health Access for All Featuring Darcy Gruttadaro and Stephanie RobertsonIn this episode, guest host Darcy Gruttadaro is joined by NAMI’s new Mental Health Equity Director, Stephanie Robertson. During their discussion, listeners will learn about the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA) and the Crisis Can't Wait campaign, Black History Month, mental health equity, and actions NAMI is taking to expand access to care for mental health conditions. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast. "Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H...
2025-02-0536 min
Hope Starts With UsRespect for Lived Experience With Schizophrenia and Psychosis Featuring Dr. Ken DuckworthIn 2023, NAMI produced the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Lexicon Guide. In this episode, NAMI CEO Dan Gillison, Jr. is joined by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth to explore why the language we use to talk about schizophrenia and psychosis matters. Throughout their conversation, listeners will learn about the impact using empathetic language can benefit individuals living with schizophrenia and psychosis, as well as how this guide can support the cultural shift away from mental health stigmas. Listeners can find the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Lexicon Guide at nami.org/sczlexiconYou can find additional episodes of t...
2025-01-2226 min