Normalize It Forward

Marc Lehman sits down with former NCAA hockey player and national cycling champion TJ Mathieson to tackle the intense reality of youth sports pressure. Young competitors face crushing expectations every single week, and learning how to manage that weight makes all the difference. TJ shares how treating personal health like an engineering system helped him master recovery and peak performance. They discuss why building genuine self-confidence and self-acceptance protects kids far better than chasing external validation. You’ll discover practical ways parents and coaches can open real conversations that help young people find their own unique path. Connect with TJ Mathieson by email at [email protected] about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Social media mental health has become one of the most pressing challenges facing teens and parents today. On this episode of Normalize It Forward, host Marc Lehman welcomes back pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Mariela Podolski to unpack how digital platforms influence adolescent brain development and emotional wellness. Excessive screen time can double the risk of depression and anxiety in young adults who lack fully developed executive functioning skills. Dr. Mariela Podolski shares concrete strategies for establishing family digital contracts, delaying smartphone access, and creating screen-free household routines. By prioritizing real-world social interaction and delayed gratification, parents can protect their children from digital burnout. Listen in to discover actionable tools for building healthier relationships with technology in your home.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ever wondered how personal tragedy can ignite a powerful movement for change? Join us as we welcome Jake Miskin, the visionary screenwriter and producer behind the critically acclaimed film, Shattered Ice. Inspired by the heartbreaking loss of classmates to suicide during his own youth, Jake channeled his grief into a compelling narrative that tackles the unspoken complexities of mental health and community healing. In this profound conversation, Jake shares the deeply personal journey that led to Shattered Ice, a film designed to spark crucial dialogue, especially among young adults and athletes. Discover how storytelling can be a powerful tool for connection and why breaking the silence around mental health is more vital now than ever before.Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.