Shows
Rebranding Mental HealthHappiness, Resources & the Myth of the One Right WayPart of the Rebranding Mental Health: Happiness SeriesWelcome back to Rebranding Mental Health! In this episode, Iman and Kurt continuing the series on happiness — this time exploring the idea that happiness isn’t about chasing the “right” job, relationship, or situation... it’s about recognizing and accessing the resources all around (and within) us.We revisit our needs-based model of happiness and introduce a powerful truth: Needs are universal, but resources are abundant and diverse.From air and art to relationships and routines, resources can come from multiple layers — in...2025-05-2136 minRebranding Mental HealthUnprotected: Who’s Really Advocating for Our Children?We say we want to protect children — but what does that actually look like?In this powerful episode, Iman and Kurt examine how our institutions often fail the very people they claim to protect. From school systems to family courts to healthcare, we ask hard questions about accountability, advocacy, and the hidden costs of silence.Who steps in when the systems don’t work? Who protects children when the adults around them are distracted, overwhelmed, or complicit?This conversation isn't about blame — it's about building better systems and showing up with clarity, courage, and car...2025-05-1627 minRebranding Mental HealthLocked Away: What Psychiatric Hospitals Reveal About Our Mental Health SystemWhat happens when crisis care becomes crisis creation? In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt are pulling back the curtain on psychiatric hospitals: the good, the bad, and the deeply broken. This isn’t just about walls and restraints — it’s about a mental health system designed for containment, not compassion. You’ll hear:Firsthand insight from a survivor A breakdown of why hospitalization is often the only option — and why it shouldn’t be What we need to build real safety nets for people in crisis🔄 Share i...2025-05-1536 minRebranding Mental HealthOur Needs and Why We Need ThemNeeds aren’t just "nice to have" — they’re the foundation of how we experience life. This week, Iman and Kurt dive deeper into why recognizing and meeting our core needs isn’t just important — it’s essential for real well-being. Building off last episode’s conversation about Maslow’s hierarchy, we explore how different theories of well-being fit together — and why understanding your own needs might just be the missing piece to feeling more fulfilled, connected, and alive.(Also featuring Kurt’s "pet theory" on quality of life — you won't want to miss it!)🎧 Tune in wherever you list...2025-04-3036 minRebranding Mental HealthWhat Does It Mean to Be Happy, Anyway? (And Why It’s Such an Important Question to Ask)We all want to be happy — but have you ever stopped to ask what happiness really means? In this episode, Iman and Kurt unpack why happiness isn’t just about success or feeling good — it’s a deeper, more personal practice shaped by needs, purpose, and connection.They're joined by a very special guest, Josh Becker — Iman's friend and fellow musician from their touring band — to explore what truly defines quality of life, weaving together ideas from Maslow’s hierarchy, positive psychology, and Iman’s Total Health (SCANN) framework.Happiness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Asking better questions about it...2025-04-2332 minRebranding Mental HealthThe Great Unraveling – How America’s Failing Institutions Are Breaking Our Mental Health (And How We Rebuild)🎙️ New Episode: The Great Unraveling – How America’s Failing Institutions Are Breaking Our Mental Health (And How We Rebuild)Something deeper than burnout is happening. In this episode, we dive into The Great Unraveling—a cultural and psychological reckoning with the collapse of social infrastructure in America. From schools and healthcare to community spaces and spiritual centers, we explore how these once-stabilizing institutions have frayed, leaving many of us feeling disconnected, distrustful, and depleted.In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt, are joined by with guest, Coach Hayden Knight, a f...2025-04-0233 minRebranding Mental HealthEmotional Inflation: Why Are Our Feelings More Expensive Than Ever?Ever feel like it takes more energy to care, connect, or just feel these days? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, we explore the idea of emotional inflation—how our feelings are being stretched thin in a world of constant alerts, global crises, performative vulnerability, and productivity pressure.In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt dig into what’s driving the cost of our emotional labor, why burnout and numbness are becoming default settings, and how to start rebuild your emotional savings without going emotionally bankrupt.✨ Join us for insights, cultural...2025-03-2837 minRebranding Mental HealthWho’s Really in Control? The American Illusion of Power Over Everything🎙️ New Episode: Who’s Really in Control? The American Illusion of Power Over EverythingIn a culture that tells us we can manifest, optimize, and hustle our way into total control, Iman and Kurt explore the emotional toll of chasing power that was never really ours to begin with. This episode of Rebranding Mental Health, breaks down the concept of locus of control—how we see the balance between what we control and what we don’t—and why America’s hyper-focus on internal control may actually be hurting our m...2025-03-2036 minRebranding Mental HealthThe Great American Attention Crisis: How Cultural Instability Has Hijacked Our Focus🧠🔎 The Great American Attention Crisis 🔎🧠Ever feel like your focus is slipping away? Meaning, matter how hard you try, your brain is constantly pulled in a million directions? 📱📺📢You’re not imagining it—our attention is under siege. In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, The Great American Attention Crisis: How Cultural Instability Has Hijacked Our Focus, Kurt and Iman unpack:🔹 Why focus feels harder than ever in today’s world🔹 How uncertainty & information overload rewire our brains🔹 The hidden cost of a distracted culture—and what we can do about itIf you’re struggling...2025-03-1230 minRebranding Mental HealthDoing Less, Being More: The Science of Slow Living🚶♀️✨ Doing Less, Being More: The Science of Slow Living ✨🚶♂️In a world that rewards hustle and glorifies busyness, what if doing less actually allowed you to be more? 🤯In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt unpack the science behind slow living—why our brains and bodies crave a gentler pace, how slowing down can boost creativity and mental clarity, and practical ways to resist the pressure to always be “on.” 🔄💡🎧 Tune in now to learn:🧠 How slowing down benefits brain health🌱 The link between presence and fulfillment⚖️ Ways to balance ambition with...2025-03-0533 minRebranding Mental HealthStill Holding Our Breath - Adjusting to a World in Flux🌍 Still Holding Our Breath: Adjust to a World in Flux 🎙️We’re living in a time of nonstop change—social shifts, global crises, and uncertainty at every turn. It’s easy to feel like we’re holding our breath, waiting for stability that never quite comes. This episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt guide how to navigate the chaos without getting lost in it. We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real ways to stay grounded when the world feels anything but steady. If you’re tired of the overwhelm and ready to breathe through t...2025-02-2527 minRebranding Mental HealthThe Push to Ban Phones in SchoolsShould schools ban phones, or is this just another band-aid solution? In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt dive into the recent New York Times article and podcast exploring the growing movement to remove phones from classrooms. While some see it as a way to improve focus and mental health, others argue it ignores deeper issues in education and student well-being. Let’s break down the research, the real impact on mental health, and what schools should be focusing on instead.🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation! #RebrandingMentalHealth #PhoneBan #EducationReformhttps://www.bloomin...2024-11-1221 minRebranding Mental HealthTOTAL Health Curriculum - A Blueprint for TOTAL Health in K-12 EducationWhat if mental health wasn’t just an afterthought in schools but a core part of education? In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt discuss Iman's proposal for a TOTAL Health curriculum—an integrated approach to brain health, psychological well-being, social development, and life skills in K-12 education. I’ll also share insights from my upcoming book, Rebranding Mental Health, which challenges the way we think about mental well-being and calls for systemic change. It’s time to build a future where total health is the foundation, not an afterthought.🎙️ Tune in and join the movement...2024-10-1530 minRebranding Mental HealthLiving Outside the Now – America’s Present PhobiaWhy does it feel like we’re always chasing the next thing or dwelling on the past? In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt explore America’s struggle to live in the present—how consumerism fuels the obsession with “what’s next,” and why our fixation on yesterday and tomorrow keeps us from fully experiencing today. Let’s unpack the cost of this mindset and how we can reclaim the now.🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation! #RebrandingMentalHealth #PresentPhobia #LiveNowhttps://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.fac...2024-10-0838 minRebranding Mental HealthBalance is Bullshit - Understanding the Concept of Balance in Practical LifeThis episode on the Rebranding Mental Health Podcast, titled, "Balance is Bullshit," Iman and Kurt discuss the common notion of achieving perfect balance in life. Iman presents the concept of balance as an ongoing practice, an evolving process rather than a fixed destination. Whether you’re seeking more harmony in your daily routine or looking to reframe your mindset, this episode helps you understand that balance isn’t something to be attained—it’s something to be experienced.https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org 2024-09-3035 minRebranding Mental HealthSchool Violence - The Mental Health Blame GameIs mental health really the sole cause of school violence, or is that just an easy scapegoat? In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt break down the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues and explore the systemic factors that contribute to school violence—education policies, social dynamics, access to resources, and more. Let’s move beyond blame and start addressing real solutions.🎙️ Tune in now and join the conversation! #RebrandingMentalHealth #SchoolViolence #BeyondTheBlamehttps://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org ...2024-09-2428 minRebranding Mental HealthInclusion Junction - with Special Guest Heather Bennett - Owner of We Rock the Spectrum Racine County, WisconsinIn this episode, Iman and Kurt welcome into the studio, Heather Bennett, the inspiring owner of We Rock the Spectrum Racine County. Together, we explore what true accessibility and inclusion look like in today's world. Our guest, Heather, shares insights on the importance of designing systems that cater to all individuals, regardless of ability, and the challenges that arise when trying to make this a reality. We dive deep into the unique concept behind their gym, which is tailored specifically for the special needs community, providing a safe and empowering space for people to thrive. Through this conversation, w...2024-09-0632 minRebranding Mental HealthAmerican Culture - Understanding How Culture Shapes and Influences Our Perceptions.In this episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt explore the profound impact of culture on our development and it's influences on our mental health; examining how cultural norms, values, and practices shape our emotional well-being. Iman and Kurt speak from their countries of origin perspective, American culture, and discuss these perspectives influence individual experiences. Join them as they discuss the importance of cultural sensitivity in mental health care and the benefits of incorporating diverse cultural practices into mental wellness strategies. https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.fac...2024-08-0820 minRebranding Mental HealthAnimated Movies Aren't Just for Kids - How Animated Movies Can Be Used To Teach and Improve Mental HealthIn this episode, Iman and Kurt explore the power of animated movies as tools for teaching mental health concepts to audiences of all ages. Discussing how movies such as "Inside Out" and "Finding Nemo" illustrate complex emotions, coping mechanisms, and mental health challenges in an accessible and engaging way. Join them as they delve into the narratives and characters that provide valuable lessons on emotional resilience, empathy, and mental well-being.https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org "Rebranding Mental Health...2024-07-3011 minRebranding Mental HealthMindful Scrolling: Navigating the Social Media MazeIn this episode, Iman and Kurt talk about the complexities of social media use and its impact on mental health. They offer strategies for navigating the digital landscape mindfully, avoiding the pitfalls of constant connectivity. Through research-based findings and personal anecdotes, Iman and Kurt discuss the importance of setting boundaries and cultivating a healthier relationship with social media. Listeners are encouraged to be more intentional with their online interactions, fostering a balance between digital engagement and real-world experiences.https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org2024-05-1320 minRebranding Mental HealthFestive Threads: Weaving Traditions and Rituals into Our LivesJoin Iman and Kurt in this episode to inspire listeners to reflect on and embrace the practices that bring joy, meaning, and connection into their lives, encouraging an appreciation for the rich tapestry of human culture and shared experiences.https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org "Rebranding Mental Health: A Movement, Not a Label." 2024-03-2220 minRebranding Mental HealthThe Seasons of Change - Mind and Body in HarmonyThis episode delves into the profound impact seasonal changes have on our mental and physical health. Exploring the science and spirituality behind how shifts in the environment can influence mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Shot out to Milwaukee Public Zoo. Join us and be "Wow-ed," as we uncover practical tips, advice, and personal stories on navigating life's seasonal rhythms.https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org "Rebranding Mental Health: A Movement, Not a Label." 2024-03-1220 minRebranding Mental HealthPart Two - Mental Health Curriculum - The Proposed BasicJoin Iman and Kurt as they continue their conversation on making a case for a mental health curriculum, or TOTAL health curriculum. In this episode, Iman discusses her proposed vision for what is needed and how it can be integrated and customized. https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org "Rebranding Mental Health: A Movement, Not a Label." 2022-11-1418 minRebranding Mental HealthMaking a Case for Mental Health Core Curriculum - Part OneListen in with Iman and Kurt as Iman presents her thoughts on why a mental health core curriculum or a, "Total Health," core curriculum is needed in every school. Prevention requires knowledge and knowledge is meaningless if it is not put into action. Please join Iman and Kurt in this important two part series. https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org "Rebranding Mental Health: A Movement, Not a Label." 2022-11-0818 minRebranding Mental HealthSpecial Halloween Episode - How Halloween activities can promote skills need for well-being.In this special Halloween Episode of Rebranding Mental Health, Iman and Kurt discuss their favorite holiday, Halloween. Tune in and listen as they go beyond the goblins, ghosts and ghouls, into the traditions and activities; discussing how some may promote skills such as resiliency, emotional regulation, and stress recovery. There is never a dull moment with Iman and Kurt as they present concepts supporting the Rebranding of Mental Health. Episodes References: Clasen, M., Kjeldgaard-Christiansen, J., & Johnson, J. A. (2020). Horror, personality, and threat simulation: A survey on the psychology of scary media. Evolutionary Behavioral Sci...2022-11-0123 minRebranding Mental HealthValues - Our Guidance System for Decision Making and Emotional RegulationIn this episode, Iman and Kurt discuss Values. Core Values are the roots of our human experience that ground us in our everyday choices. Most of us have a general understanding of what’s important to us (values) and what we believe in (beliefs), but it’s the clarity of both that truly makes the difference between living proactively versus, reactively. Iman discusses the Values activity she does with her clients and in workshops and Kurt shares the impact this activity has had on his own life. https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlk...2022-10-2420 minRebranding Mental HealthLabels - How Do They Help, How Do They Hinder?In this episode, Iman and Kurt discuss labels and how they relate to mental health. Iman explains how labels can serve as a helpful point of reference, but also have the potential to limit us in our understanding of ourselves. Using labels can make it difficult for us to appreciate the full spectrum of needs we all experience. It's important to find balance and use labels in a way that is beneficial without overidentifying with them.https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook...2022-08-0316 minRebranding Mental HealthSelf-Care, Narratives, Accessibility, and the Human ExperienceHow has the pandemic affected our narratives and perspectives on self care, mindfulness, and other trends? In this episode, Iman and Kurt discuss the benefits as well as the drawbacks of the recent increase in popularity of such ideas. Iman reminds us of the power of words and how the meanings we attach to these ideas affect our ability to reap their benefits. The shared experience of the pandemic has also shown us what we have in common, presenting us with an opportunity to develop our sense of community, as well as our skills of empathy and compassion...2022-08-0116 minRebranding Mental HealthChange is Necessary in Mental Health - Where Do We Start?This episode dives deeper into how we go about, "Rebranding Mental Health." Where do we start and how do we go about this process of changing the system? Focusing on education, accessibility, inclusivity and individuality. Humans have commonalities, however, we are also different. Approaching health with a cookie cutter approach does not work. The pandemic has taught us that we must abandon antiquated systems and approaches that do not serve our best interest. https://www.bloomingminds.org https://www.instagram.com/imanlkhan/https://www.facebook.com/bloomingminds.org "Rebran...2022-07-2516 minRebranding Mental HealthChange is Necessary in Mental Health - So, Where Do We Begin?This episode dives deeper into how we go about, "Rebranding Mental Health." Where do we start and how do we go about this process of changing the system? Focusing on education, accessibility, inclusivity and individuality. Humans have commonalities, however, we are also different. Approaching health with a cookie cutter approach does not work. The pandemic has taught us that we must abandon antiquated systems and approaches that do not serve our best interest. 2022-07-2217 minRebranding Mental HealthIntroducing..."Rebranding Mental Health."Join Iman Khan of Blooming Minds and my co-host Kurt Lois, while we introduce a program proposal called Rebranding Mental Health. Iman discusses what it is, what it means, and why it's important now more than ever. Iman and Kurt discuss the pandemic's effects on mental health and the unavoidable truths exposed about the inadequacies of our systems. Iman introduces thought provoking ideas of how to improve mental health education, through reeducation of what it is and what it isn't. Focusing on TOTAL HEALTH, a holistic approach to teaching mind/body/spirit practices that are accessible and relatable to all...2022-07-2017 minRebranding Mental HealthIntroducing: Rebranding Mental HealthJoin Iman Khan of Blooming Minds and my co-host Kurt Lois, while we introduce a program proposal called Rebranding Mental Health. Iman discusses what it is, what it means, and why it's important now more than ever. Iman and Kurt discuss the pandemic's effects on mental health and the unavoidable truths exposed about the inadequacies of our systems. Iman introduces thought provoking ideas of how to improve mental health education, through reeducation of what it is and what it isn't. Focusing on TOTAL HEALTH, a holistic approach to teaching mind/body/spirit practices that are accessible and relatable to all...2022-07-1817 min