No Shame On U

Wendy sits down with Tracey Kite, a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience at JCFS Chicago and now in private practice, and a parent of two teens. Tracey shares her personal journey raising 17-year-old twins, one who identifies as trans male and one as non-binary, offering candid insight into what it's really like to support a child through gender transition. From navigating pronouns with extended family to finding community resources, Tracey gives parents a compassionate, practical roadmap, including exactly what to say when your child comes out to you.

Join us as Tim Graves, a Navy Veteran and neurodivergent individual, shares his powerful story of overcoming a traumatic past and 33 years of alcoholism. Tim’s journey to recovery, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to healing, has led him to become a guiding force for others battling addiction. Discover how empowerment, spirituality, and self-love transformed his life and how he now helps others find their own path to lasting change. Chicago Sober Coaching: https://chicagosobercoaching.com/

Growing through Grief: Rena Rosen's Journey of Healing and Acceptance Meet Rena Rosen, who lost her father to illness as a teenager. Rena shares how her grief journey has evolved over the years and the ways she has managed her loss during life's ups and downs. She is on a mission to normalize grief and embrace it as an important part of every human being's life. This podcast is in memory of Rena’s dad, Michael Rosen. All There Is With Anderson Cooper: https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/all-there-is-with-anderson-cooper Children’s Bereavement Center - Children/Teen Grief Support: https://childbereavement.org/resources/helpful-links.html

Talking with your young person about difficult topics can be tough! Join us for a discussion with two experts from JCFS Chicago to navigate these challenging discussions. Today, we spoke with two professionals. Alyssa Robbins (she, they) is a sexuality and reproductive health educator and Manager of Community JCFS Chicago’s Response for Teens, and Megan Lernerk (she, her, ella), LCSW, is the Director of the Kaufman Wolf Center for Trauma and Resilience at JCFS Chicago. Learn about their journies, work, and suggestions for navigating difficult conversations with your young person! JCFS Chicago - Response for Teens: https://www.jcfs.org/response JCFS Chicago - Kaufman Wolf Center for Trauma and Resilience: https://www.jcfs.org/find-help/trauma-resilience

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 46th Podcast! Today, we had an interesting discussion with Bruce Sewick, LCPC, CADC, about the use of psychedelics and mental health. Bruce retired as the CEO of Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center (Franklin Park), and the SHARE Program (Hoffman Estates) in July of 2022 after working there for 26 years. He is now an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the CRSS Success Grant at the College of DuPage, where he has worked for 20 years in the Human Services Department. He has been lecturing on the therapeutic use of psychedelics for over 25 years and has taught a class on Psychedelics called “Psychedelic Mindview” at the College of DuPage. Listen as we discuss everything from the history of psychedelics to what treatment looks like. Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition or mental health treatment. http://www.brucesewick.com/

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 44th Podcast. Today, we are meeting with Samantha Kolkey, the Executive Director of Options for College Success. Listen as Samantha describes her personal journey with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and how it fuels her passion and work for Options for College Success. Options for College Success’s mission is to support young adults with learning challenges and disabilities develop the skills and confidence to succeed academically, work productively, and live independently. We envision an inclusive future where emerging adults with disabilities have opportunities to build their own successful life. Learn more at: https://www.optionsforcollegesuccess.org/

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 42nd Podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible opportunity to talk with Aleksandra Muller, as she opens up about her profound journey through grief, having lost her father unexpectedly at the age of 19. Aleks is now a 22 year old grief educator on grief.com, grief advocate, and podcaster. Aleks is dedicated to helping people find light and hope while battling the journey of grief and guiding friends and family members on how to best support others who are grieving. Aleks is always on the hunt for more opportunities to educate others on grief. Find her podcast My Second Life on grief and healing on Spotify and Apple. To see the video version of the podcast, go to My Second Life on Spotify.

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 40th Podcast! Today we are meeting with author Kenneth Nixon. Kenneth just came out with an intense and meaningful memoir called Born into Crisis. Kenneth knows firsthand the impact trauma can have on a person's life and takes us on a power-powerful journey of his life. He does it uniquely where he shares tips, tools, and strategies for personal and collective change in our nation. Kenneth Nixon is a pastor, Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator, and mental health advocate. Kenneth speaks out about the need for reform in the mental health system and works to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. He is a clergy leader and staff organizer with VirginiansOrganized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE). Part of the reason for Kenneth writing this book is his strong belief that mental health should no longer be taboo in our society, and we must discuss it openly and honestly. This book is his attempt to take a step in that direction, He truly hopes readers take away the importance of listening to all sides to create meaningful change. We have a mental health crisis in this country, and we all need to be part of the solution.