Normalize It Forward

Host Marc Lehman sits down with former NBA star and NCAA National Champion Ben Gordon to discuss the realities of athlete mental health and overcoming life transitions. Maintaining optimal athlete mental health requires honest conversations, intentional daily routines, and self-acceptance both on and off the court. Ben helped lead UConn to the 2004 National Championship before being selected third overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. In recent years, Ben has been open about his personal journey with mental health, using his experiences to advocate for greater awareness, understanding, and support. He candidly shares how early athletic mentorship shaped his perspective on the mental game, the challenges of navigating public pressure, and his shift toward holistic wellness practices like intermittent fasting and fascia stress therapy. Ben also offers crucial advice for young adults struggling in silence, emphasizing the power of self-surrender, intentional communication, and slowing down in a hyper-connected world. This powerful discussion highlights why true strength lies in accepting who you are and building a grounded foundation for lasting resilience. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

As students prepare to head off to school, the conversation around college mental health becomes more critical than ever. In this episode, Marc Lehman is joined by Laura Doyle , a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with decades of experience counseling students, to discuss the realities of this major life transition. From managing academic expectations and social anxiety to the importance of self-care basics like sleep and hydration, Laura provides practical strategies to help students stay balanced. They also dive into the impact of social media and the vital role of building real-world connections on campus. If you are a parent or student looking for ways to foster resilience and wellness during the college years, this discussion offers essential guidance for navigating the challenges ahead. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Establishing a solid College Student Routine is essential for navigating the overwhelming pressures of higher education and performance. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Marc Lehman welcomes Boston College Strength and Conditioning Coach Russell DeRosa to discuss how structure builds long-term mental and physical resilience. Russell DeRosa shares his twenty-four years of experience training elite athletes, revealing why daily habits reduce anxiety during high-stakes transitions. The conversation explores how both athletes and non-athletes can manage uncharted academic waters by taking personal ownership of their time. By replacing chaos with intentional habits, young adults learn to face adversity on campus without becoming overwhelmed. Parents and students alike will gain practical insight on shifting from passive survival to proactive growth. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Navigating the complexities of student mental health is a challenge that many young adults and parents face today. In this episode, Marc Lehman is joined by clinician Brian Keiser from U Are Heard to discuss effective strategies for managing stress, overcoming academic anxiety, and fostering true wellness. Brian brings his unique perspective as a Guided Pathways Advisor II to shed light on how modern pressures, including social media and the desire for constant connectivity, contribute to the rising rates of anxiety in students. Together, they explore the importance of small, consistent habits—like prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and genuine human connection—as the foundation for long-term success. Discover actionable advice on how to support independence in students while maintaining the essential support systems they need to thrive in college and beyond. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Holistic mental wellness is more than just physical health; it requires balancing your physiology, psychology, and spirit to truly thrive. In this episode, we are joined by Matt Domyancic , a former police officer, strength coach, and wellness coordinator, to discuss his journey of resilience and his mission to support first responders and veterans. Host Marc explores with Matt why slowing down and prioritizing your inner self is essential in our fast-paced culture. We discuss the importance of self-love, the power of safe relationships in healing from trauma, and how we can all foster meaning and purpose even during our most uncomfortable times. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Touring life is often viewed through a lens of glamour, but the reality involves a grueling mental and physical balancing act. Developing true resilience in music requires grit, a disciplined routine, and the courage to chase the unknown even when the path is unclear. In this episode, we sit down with Jay Nazz , the longtime drummer for the acclaimed country Americana band Reckless Kelly . We explore his journey from his roots in Connecticut to the bustling stages of Austin, diving into how he maintains mental clarity on the road and why he believes vulnerability is a professional superpower. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sustain a career in the arts, Jay’s candid story on finding purpose amidst the chaos offers a powerful roadmap for your own journey. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Human performance is often associated with pressure. People are pushed to their limits just to achieve the best results. Although such a challenge stretches you to do whatever it takes to succeed, you may also be putting your own well-being at risk. Marc Lehman sits down with Kyle Stark , former Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who shares his insights on working with professional athletes who are constantly pressured to give their peak performance every single game. He explains what it really takes to develop people, not just performers, into high achievers who have a real sense of identity, leadership, and resilience. Discover why you do not have to sacrifice your mental health just to deliver better outputs and unlock bigger goals, but by simply being yourself and enjoying the ride. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

The silent battle of shame and secrecy behind high-functioning addiction is exposed as Emmy-award-winning journalist and podcast host of The Tangle , Kyle Ridley , sits down to share his truth. Joining host Marc Lehman, Kyle reveals how his bulimia—a struggle often compounded by the stigma against men being vulnerable—consumed his twenties and made him a prisoner in his own home. He walks listeners through the critical steps of his lifelong journey of recovery, from the terrifying moment of intervention to embracing therapy and finding the courage to talk about his anxiety and fear of rejection. This conversation offers powerful lessons on how building a solid foundation of self-acceptance and community can finally break the cycle, leading to the confidence and grounded happiness that only comes from deep, ongoing healing. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Retired Fire Captain Dave Shenbaum is a community connector known for his deep roots and commitment to others, forged through 30 years of public service in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, including the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. In this powerful conversation, Dave brings a grounded, real-world perspective to mental health, purpose, and perseverance. From navigating the challenge of dyslexia and the intensity of paramedic school, to offering honest advice for today’s youth on overcoming “overwhelming doom,” Dave provides essential wisdom. He explains why we all need to “Work on my shit first” (WOMSF), why appreciation is the key to escaping bitterness, and how turning your shortcomings into strengths is non-negotiable. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Mental health and music go hand in hand since most artists pour the contents of their hearts and minds into their songs. This is exactly what Canadian singer-songwriter and pop artist Jordyn Sugar is doing through her empowered pop music. Joining Marc Lehman, she discusses her creativity, confidence, and what it means to normalize inner work, especially among young people. Jordyn also shares how Justin Bieber inspired her to continue writing music and how she uses her art to encourage self-belief and emotional openness that help unlock your most authentic self. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Communication and connection are often the first things to erode when life gets busy, yet they are the very foundation of strong teams, healthy families, and personal well-being. Steve Shenbaum brings decades of experience working with athletes, leaders, and organizations to explore how trust is built through small, consistent actions rather than big moments. As the conversation unfolds, he reflects on the role of discipline, the impact of constant information, and the quiet power of presence, offering a perspective that feels both practical and deeply human. What emerges is a reminder that meaningful connection is not complicated, but it does require intention, awareness, and a willingness to show up differently. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Vince Benevento of Causeway Collaborative believes the conventional approach to supporting young men’s mental health is fundamentally flawed. Statistics show that 80% to 90% of boys who need help aren’t getting it. Whether they’re dealing with substance use issues, college academic probation, or just feeling “stuck,” many young men resist being dragged along to therapy. In this powerful conversation, Vince—a licensed professional counselor and a former “wayward young man” himself—shares his revolutionary methodology. He details how Causeway Collaborative empowers young men (ages 16–30) to take ownership of their own care by focusing on action, physical movement, and building structure and routine, rather than relying on quick fixes and labels. This is essential reading for any parent seeking to support their son without pushing too hard or pulling away completely. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Welcome to a powerful conversation on mental health and wellness with Elizabeth "Ellie" Haney, the visionary founder of Here For You . Born from her own journey through emotional struggles and a feeling of profound isolation, Here For You is more than just a clothing brand—it's a mission to normalize candid conversations about mental health through fashion, community, and support. In this deeply honest interview, Ellie shares the excruciating reality of her college years, battling crippling anxiety and depression in silence, and the ultimate turning point—the three simple, yet life-changing words she finally spoke. Whether you're a student feeling overwhelmed, a parent seeking connection, or simply someone who believes in the power of vulnerability, Ellie’s story is a testament to the fact that hope and change are real, and that the only way out of the darkness is through it. Get ready to be inspired and reminded: you are not alone, and help is waiting for you. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

The path to healing from post-traumatic stress requires bravery, honesty, and a willingness to share your story. Bob Delaney ‘s life truly reads like a movie script: he’s a former New Jersey State Trooper who spent three years undercover infiltrating the mob, and later became one of the NBA’s most respected referees, officiating over 1,500 games. His extraordinary journey has made him a leading voice on resilience and leadership, using his experience to help first responders, veterans, and athletes understand the human side of high-pressure lives. Bob discusses how the game of basketball became his therapy and how a common-sense approach is better than over-medicalizing the conversation. He reminds us that trauma is inescapable, and through his powerful Kintsugi analogy for healing, he proves that what is personal is universal. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Men’s mental health takes center stage as we hear a story of turning pain into purpose. Marc Lehman welcomes identical twins, fitness coaches, and mental health advocates Jake and Joe Sharp , who turned the tragedy of losing their younger brother Sam to suicide into a powerful mission to help others heal. They speak with incredible honesty about the impact of grief, the darkness of depression, and overcoming the isolating grip of shame and perfectionism. Their raw, real, and deeply human conversation explores the life-changing role that community, physical wellness, and finding hope played in their journey, showing listeners that true healing means connecting and growing strong together. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

The true strength in men’s mental health isn’t toughing it out, but taking off the mask and choosing to fight another day. Marc Lehman sits down with former athlete turned passionate mental health advocate and founder of Unbeaten , Dean Daniel , who shares his raw and incredibly powerful journey through chronic pain, eight spinal surgeries, and multiple suicide attempts. As a proud ambassador for Tough To Talk, Dean opens up about the stigma surrounding men’s emotions, the devastating effects of silence on families, and the life-changing choice he made to live and help others realize they are never truly alone. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Navigating the complicated landscape of adolescent mental health requires empathy, support, and an open conversation. Marc Lehman welcomes Jill Weinstein , an LPC, mental health professional, and Clinical Director of Ignite , an adolescent mental health program at the Berman Center in Atlanta, who shares her insights from over 20 years of experience. The conversation explores the “big shift” of young adults leaving for college, the importance of proactive support—including managing legal shifts like FERPA—and the complicated, multilayered issues facing teens today. Jill and Marc also discuss reframing self-care as daily moments of awe and joy, the need for healthy relationships with social media, and the powerful role of community and connection in healing. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens and young adults aren’t just statistics—they’re real stories playing out in families every day. Dr. Mariela Podolski , a Connecticut-based child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, joins host Marc Lehman to explore the forces behind this trend and what parents, students, and communities can do about it. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Podolski breaks down how instant gratification, phones, and “toxic positivity” affect mental health; why delayed gratification and frustration tolerance matter; and how parents can model wellness through sleep, nutrition, movement, and purpose. Packed with practical tips on managing devices, scaffolding self-care, and normalizing help-seeking, this conversation empowers families and young people to build the resilience they need for school, college, and beyond. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Body image and eating disorders aren’t just clinical issues; they’re lived realities shaped by culture, technology, and family life. Drawing on nearly 25 years in private practice, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Gordon explores how perfectionism, social media, and comparison culture amplify these struggles — and how parents can support teens and young adults without adding to the noise. She mixes practical strategies with warmth, showing how boundaries, honest dialogue, and tuning in to one’s inner experience can become powerful tools for resilience and healing. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .

Suicide loss support takes on a deeply human dimension in this conversation with Greg Kligman . He opens up about a decade on crisis lines and in survivor groups, explaining how empathy and presence help families carry the weight of traumatic loss. Listeners hear about the Survivor Support Program, why stigma and shame surround suicide, and how simple outreach can ease crushing isolation. Greg also shares the practices that protect his own wellbeing and offers practical ways anyone can contribute to a culture of compassion without burning out. Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation .