Shows
The Force for GoodScalable Interventions in Mental Health CareIn this episode, Rick Gertzma and Alesha Cid Vega discuss innovative approaches to mental health, focusing on scalable interventions and the importance of community engagement. They explore the role of mentorship, the adaptation of mental health interventions to fit diverse contexts, and the integration of digital tools like telenovelas to reach wider audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors to sustain mental health initiatives and improve access to care.www.mdfoundation.org
2025-10-0828 min
Faithfullyliven:the podcastThe Inspiration Story Behind the hymn "I'd Rather Have JesusSend us a textJoin us on Faithfullyliven as we journey through the stirring narrative of Martin James Ross, whose powerful transformation from a life gripped by alcoholism to faith that inspired the creation of the beloved hymn "I'd Rather Have Jesus" by Rhea F. Miller in 1922. Whether you're intimately familiar with this cherished hymn or discovering its inspiration for the first time, this episode serves as a stirring reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring impact of a life devoted to living faithfully.References for the showHymnary.org Rhea...
2025-09-2014 minThe Force for GoodEmpowering Communities Through Mental Health AdvocacyIn this episode of The Force for Good, Rick Gertsema interviews Jordan Johnson, who shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. They discuss the importance of understanding health beyond physical ailments, the significance of cultural adaptations in community training, and the impact of PM Plus on personal relationships. Jordan's aspirations for political service and his dedication to working alongside community members highlight the need for collaboration and understanding in addressing mental health issues.www.mdfoundation.org
2025-07-1830 minThe Force for GoodMental Health AdvocacyIn this conversation, Rick Gertsma and Ashlie Castaldo discuss the critical importance of mental health in preventing social issues such as drug usage and homelessness. Ashlie shares her personal journey, including her advocacy for mental health, community engagement, and political involvement. They explore the need for nuanced approaches to mental health, the significance of coping mechanisms, and the role of community in fostering well-being. The discussion also highlights the future directions for mental health advocacy and the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing these challenges.www.mdfoundation.org
2025-06-0928 minThe Force for GoodMental Health Healing Doesn't Need to be ComplicatedIn this episode of The Force for Good, Rick Gertsema, along with Traci Marciniak and Dr. Adam Brown, discuss the importance of mental health awareness and the idea that healing does not need to be complicated. They explore personal experiences, the power of small habits, the significance of reciprocal relationships, and the role of environment in mental health care. The conversation emphasizes the need for kindness towards oneself and the importance of reaching out to others for support.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness01:08 Healing Doesn't Need to Be Complicated04:50 The Power of...
2025-05-2029 min
2025-04-1701 min2025-04-1700 minThe Force for GoodChampioning Children's Mental HealthTracy Litman, a public school social worker, shares her journey and passion for helping others, particularly adolescents. She emphasizes the importance of not holding oneself hostage to the past and instead focusing on what one can do from here forward. Tracy has been recognized with numerous awards for her dedication to her work, including being named Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year. She has also been involved with organizations such as PAVSA (Program Aide for Victims of Sexual Assault) and DAIP (Domestic Abuse Intervention Project). Tracy's personal story includes her experience as the legal gu...
2024-09-0528 min2024-08-2700 minThe Force for GoodThe Power of Simultaneity: Creating New PossibilitiesGary Hubbell, a consultant, discusses his work with non-profit organizations and the importance of simplifying complexity, unifying teams, and embracing transformative change. He highlights the concept of simultaneity, which is one of the principles of appreciative inquiry, and how it brings about new possibilities. Hubbell shares his experience working with the Miller-Dwan Foundation and their approach to strategic planning, which involved engaging key stakeholders and imagining plausible alternative futures. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the foundation's commitment to being bolder, acting bigger, and adapting better. The conversation also touches on the foundation's initiatives, such as HOPEX...
2024-06-1929 minThe Force for Good40 Years of Behavioral Health: A Journey of Compassion and ImpactRick Gertsema, Senior Mental Health Advisor at the Miller-Dwan Foundation, shares his 40-year career in behavioral health and his passion for helping people. He discusses the importance of creating a scalable mental health workforce to address the mental health crisis. Gertsema highlights the PM Plus program, developed by the World Health Organization, as a way to provide effective care through trained non-specialists. He emphasizes the value of compassion, gold standard care, and the power of relationships in transforming mental health care. Gertsema's commitment, passion, and intuition make him an integral part of the foundation's efforts to eliminate the mental...
2024-05-2427 minThe Force for GoodZak Williams: A Journey of Mental Health AdvocacyZak Williams, mental health advocate and founder of PYM (Prepare Your Mind), shares his personal journey and the importance of mental health awareness and support. He discusses his own struggles with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts, as well as the impact of his father, Robin Williams' suicide. Williams emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health, including programming, awareness, research, advocacy, and policy. He also highlights the importance of nutrition and self-care in maintaining mental well-being. Williams praises the passion and compassion of the people of Duluth and their role in driving systems change....
2024-04-2925 minThe Force for GoodCommunity-Based Mental Health CareSummaryThis conversation explores the work of the Miller-Dwan Foundation in the field of mental health, specifically their collaboration with Dr. Brandon Kohrt and Dr. Adam Brown on the implementation of Problem Management Plus (PM+) in New York City and the Twin Ports. The conversation covers the background of the project, the scalability of mental health interventions, and the need for accessible mental health services. The Recoup New York project, which aims to evaluate the efficacy of PM+, is discussed, along with other organizations and initiatives in the field. The partnership between the Miller-Dwan Foundation...
2024-03-1828 minThe Force for GoodHistory + Mission of the Miller-Dwan FoundationThe conversation explores the history and mission of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, the strategic planning process, the HopeX initiative, the role of the Senior Mental Health Advisor, the multi-phase approach, and the future vision for the foundation.Takeaways:The Miller-Dwan Foundation has a strong history of generosity and philanthropy, with a focus on healthcare, including physical rehabilitation, burn care, and behavioral health care.The foundation embarked on a strategic planning process to address the mental health crisis in the community, resulting in the HopeX initiative, which aims to provide care options and programming to meet...
2024-02-2028 min2024-01-2702 min2024-01-2701 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 10: Wisdom“Detroit has a soul… that’s the power of it to me. It’s very unique and very progressive in so many ways.” – Carmen N’Namdi Detroit is a Phoenix – its fire is lit through human diversity – its ideas and creativity define its possibility and future. This final chapter brings together multiple narratives to spread the wisdom of the “D” far beyond the Motor City… Featuring the voices of: Carmen N’Namdi, Sandra Turner-Handy, Anthony Benavides, Kwaku Osei Bonsu, Pam Esshaki, Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, Penny Bailer, Shirley Birch, Kirk Mayes, Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, Fatou-Seydi S. Sarr...
2023-07-1838 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 9: Vision“Detroit is America. I’ll keep fighting for it.” – Rochelle Riley Detroit’s unique identity creates opportunities for its residents to reimagine and create a new vision of belonging… built from the ashes of post–industrial decline, its people display a gritty vision of a future sculpted from hard won victories of hustle and resilience. Featuring the voices of: Zina Davis, Carlos Neilbock, Lauren Hood, Eric L. Miller, Ozzie Rivera, jessica Care moore, George N’Namdi & Rochelle Riley. – All sound recordings were created in the City of Detroit during the production of the limited edi...
2023-07-1137 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 8: Faith“Every human being born is powered. It’s a matter of enabling and awakening to your power.” – Rev. Larry L. Simmons Faith is active belief and is manifest in the hope that a better future is possible through collaborative engagement. Listen to Detroiters who are inspired by the spiritual to guide them in delivering purpose to the streets, neighborhoods and communities of the city. Featuring the voices of: Rev. Larry L. Simmons, Maria Anita Salinas, Martin Herman, Lisa Johanon, ShaCha Geronimo, Shaffwan Ahmed & Dawn Dandridge. – All sound recordings were created in the City of De...
2023-07-0435 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 7: People“Big up to everybody in Detroit that’s making an impact or trying to make an impact, even the ones we don’t see.”– Larry Austin From the sidewalk to the local grocery store everyday people in Detroit create opportunities for us to witness the extraordinary transformation in our societies built by those who just do… accolades, titles & awards don't drive these people… their vision is a society where service is the norm and creating space for others to thrive is the only reward that counts. Featuring the voices of: Matthew Naimi, Michele Marie Oberholtzer, Efe...
2023-06-2740 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 6: Serve“Being silent in Detroit is not an option.” – Rashida Tlaib What leads us to acts of service? Purpose can be the foundation of the change we wish to see. In Detroit those who choose to serve and elevate others, advocate for community equity, and inspire action for a better tomorrow define the spaces where significant societal change is created. Featuring the voices of: Rashida Tlaib, Crystal Bernard, Chase L. Cantrell, Misha Stallworth, Shannon Smith & Ayesha Ghazi Edwin. All sound recordings were created in the City of Detroit during the production of the limited edition b...
2023-06-2029 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 5: Life"Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus"– We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes – Motto of the City of Detroit Survival is life in Detroit. In the face of multiple challenges the people of the city continue to stand tall. The city’s collective resilience is unwavering. The narrative of the city is defined by its north star: self–determination. Featuring the voices of: Bryan C. Barnhill II, Natasha T. Miller, Mary A. ‘Lisa’ Franklin, Marsha Battle Philpot / Marsha Music, Deborah Love-Peel, Shamayim ‘Shu’ Harris & Terrence West. All sound recordings were created in the City of Detroit duri...
2023-06-1325 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 4: Art“Culture is not complete if you don’t have all the components in it. You have to have the dance, the music, the language, the taste, and the feel.” – Fatou–Seydi S. Sarr The human desire to express our ideas through creative practice is one of the bedrocks of the City. Detroit has navigated its many pasts and its most hopeful future through the power of spoken word, jazz, motown and techno, painting, poetry and sculpture – the city is built on a creative freedom that defines its every heartbeat. Featuring the voices of: jessica Care moore, Chazz Miller, Scott Hocking...
2023-06-0634 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 3: Word“When there's someone in need, there are those that respond.” – Pamela Good Knowledge and education are the roads to self–discovery and understanding a world beyond. In Detroit the challenge to celebrate the written word and build a new landscape of universal literacy takes many forms… in this chapter seasoned campaigners and visionary youth leaders explore the spaces where they seek to have real impact across the city. Featuring the voices of: Pamela Good, Khali Sweeney, Pashon Murray, Elijah Craft, Shanel Adams & Olivia Janise Danielle Wheat. All sound recordings were created in the City of Detr...
2023-05-3022 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 2: Heart“Our strength is stronger when we work together.” – John J.George Detroit is a city where knowledge of the past fuels today’s reimagining – an evolution built from strength and a creative, mobilization of community. In this Chapter, Detroiters focus on their love, understanding, and commitment to the city – a passionate collaboration to create a meaningful future for their children, families and neighborhoods. Featuring the voices of: Jamon Jordan, Hanan Ali Yahya, John J. George, Monica Lewis Patrick & James Feagin. – All sound recordings were created in the City of Detroit during the production of the limited edit...
2023-05-2321 min
IntersectionsDetroit. Chapter 1: Spirit“Community is people watching your rhythm” – Satori Shakoor Detroit: A city of deep history, a people driven by resilience and hustle – experience the city through the diverse voices of its people, understand and immerse yourself in the city's personality through the purpose–driven narratives shared by Detroiters. Featuring the voices of: Satori Shakoor, Giizhigad/Christy Bieber, Adnan Charara, Suzy Villarreal-Garza & Kirk Mayes. – All sound recordings were created in the City of Detroit during the production of the limited edition book i.Detroit – a Human Atlas of an American City, available here. ISBN 978-1-91636...
2023-05-1618 min
Never Found Never ForgottenD'Wan SimsFour year old D'Wan Sims was reported missing by his mother from a local shopping mall in 1994. Recently, DNA tests were conducted on a man who thought he could be D'Wan Sims. Mother of D'Wan Sims, boy who disappeared in 1994, dies (detroitnews.com)D’Wan Christian Sims – The Charley ProjectMan Claims He's Missing Michigan Kid D’Wan Sims | Crime News (oxygen.com)D'Wan Sims case: Man thinks he may be missing Detroit boy, gives DNA (freep.com)Man who says he's D'Wan Sims speaks to mother of missing boy (fre...
2021-07-1010 min
Adapt or PerishRobin Hood, Part 1 (Ep. 62)Welcome to Sherwood! In this episode of Adapt or Perish, we bring you part one of our two-part look at the world’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood! For this episode, we read and watched: The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Howard Pyle’s 1883 novel. Robin Hood (United Artists, 1922), directed by Allan Dwan, produced by, written by, and starring Douglas Fairbanks. The Adventures of Robin Hood (Warner Brothers, 1938), directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, written by Norman Reilly Raine, Seton I. Miller, and Rowland Leigh, and starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Clau...
2020-03-101h 48
Accredited Income Property Investment Specialist (AIPIS)AIPIS 51 - No Equity Foreclosures with Dwan Bent-Twyford
Dwan Bent-Twyford has been a real estate investor for over 20 years. She currently helps aspiring students how to do no equity foreclosures. Her company, Investors Edge University, helps coach people who want to have a legitimate real estate business and teaches them how to find homes before they go to the auction. Join Jason and Dwan as they talk about how this program works and the overall business plan.
2014-07-0731 min