Voices for Mental Health

In this episode of Voices for Mental Health, we explore the meaning of conditional love from the basic question of what it means, to how it shapes our self-esteem and emotional development. Guest: Dr. Dan Elash. “After years as a psychologist, I believe that it is the responsibility of parents to validate their children. In my experience, we do a mediocre job of it at best. Even with good intentions we often give love conditionally. For others, their goal seems to be keeping their kids from causing them bother or embarrassment,” says Elash. If this sounds all too familiar, this is a must listen to podcast.

In this captivating episode of Voices for Mental Health, host Candace Schoner brings together two women from different generations—a Gen X voice and a Baby Boomer perspective—for a deeply honest conversation about relationships, identity, and emotional well-being.Through personal stories and lived experiences, Jenny Z and Janie explore how the expectations placed on women have evolved and how those expectations continue to shape the way we love, partner, and define our worth. From navigating divorce and dating culture to balancing independence with connection, this conversation shines a light on the often unspoken emotional realities women face.Together, they unpack how mental health impacts every corner of life from relationships, careers, finances, and the decision to marry and have children (or not).This episode is a reminder that choosing peace over pressure, self-worth over societal expectations, and healing over history is not only valid—it’s powerful.Whether you’re questioning a relationship, embracing independence, or redefining what love means to you, this conversation offers insight, validation, and hope.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Janelle Moravek, a nonprofit director and dedicated mental health leader, for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to support children living with mental illness. Through both her professional lens and personal experience, Janelle opens up about the challenges families face when navigating a system that can often feel overwhelming, under-resourced, and difficult to access.We dive into the realities behind the scenes—the emotional toll, the roadblocks to care, and the urgent need for better support structures. Janelle also shares how she maintains her resilience while balancing leadership, advocacy, and the deeply personal role of parenting. Her insight is both grounding and inspiring, offering hope to families and professionals alike who are walking similar paths.This episode is a reminder that even in the midst of complexity and challenge, there is strength, connection, and the possibility for meaningful change.Guest Janelle Moravek, Executive Director of Youth and Family Counseling in Libertyville, IL

Living with chronic pain isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too. In this unedited conversation, our guest, Flame Bilyue and I, talk about finding a yes, when everything feels like a no. Learn how simple tricks like shifting your mindset, alternative therapies, and self compassion can go a long way to helping your body reduce inflammation and pain.

In this powerful episode, author, motivational speaker, and sexual abuse survivor Cindy Benezra shares her journey of healing after childhood trauma and profound betrayal. Through honest reflection, she explores how unhealed pain can shape relationships and how reclaiming your voice can change everything.Cindy’s story demonstrates the power of forgiveness while offering hope, validation, and encouragement for anyone navigating trauma, betrayal, or the struggle to trust again. (Encore Presentation)

In this timely interview, Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds joins us for an in-depth conversation on Medicaid, mental health access, and the growing crisis of “ghost networks”—provider lists that appear robust on paper but leave individuals and families unable to find real, available care.This conversation goes beyond politics. It’s about public safety, human dignity, and the urgent need to fix a system that too often fails people when they are most vulnerable. If you care about mental health access, transparency in healthcare, and practical solutions that save lives, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.

Our guest, Andy Regal, a highly accomplished media executive and author of “Surviving Bully Culture: A Career Spent Navigating Workplace Bullying and a Guide for Healing,” joins us to share his powerful story.In this illuminating podcast, Andy describes💼 The hidden costs of workplace bullying🧠 Its lasting impact on mental health💚 And how he turned pain into purpose and advocacy

Stop letting regrets hold you back. We all have them. In this episode, renowned coach and former psychologist, Dr. Dan Elash shares practical strategies to help you rise above setbacks and move forward with confidence.Discover why celebrating small wins isn’t just nice—it’s essential. Recognizing progress fuels long-term success and strengthens your ability to keep going, even when life gets tough.As a bonus, Dr. Dan breaks down the science behind “toxic talk”—how negative conversations impact your brain—and offers powerful ways to protect your mental well-being. Plus, he reveals his top six tips for cultivating resilience that you can start using today.Don’t miss this uplifting conversation that will leave you feeling stronger, inspired, and ready to face life’s challenges with resilience.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Alberto Augsten sheds light on the urgent need for accessible medications for underserved communities, the complexities of treating bipolar 1 disorder, and the critical role pharmacology plays in shaping mental health outcomes.

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Miller, a Death Duola, to explore the deeply human side of supporting those facing the end of life. Amanda shares insights on fostering meaningful conversations between terminally ill patients and their families, navigating anticipatory grief, and guiding loved ones through the bereavement process. This thoughtful discussion sheds light on how compassion and communication can bring comfort, healing, and connection during life’s most difficult moments.

This podcast is a must-listen for parents of children with special needs. In this encore presentation, a father candidly shares his journey of raising a child with autism and how it has shaped his ego, marriage, finances, and career. He also explores the risks of denial and its impact on families navigating the challenges of special needs parenting.

Our guest, Kijuan “Kiwi” Amey, is a former U.S. Air Force serviceman who launched his own business at just 25 years old. But everything changed when a devastating motorcycle accident left him permanently blind. Instead of letting tragedy define him, Kiwi chose a different path—one of resilience, faith, and purpose.In this powerful episode, Kiwi shares how he turned unimaginable loss into a life filled with inspiration and impact. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope is never out of reach.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into narcissists, the “playbook,” and why some people have the guts to say goodbye and others don’t. Guest: Dr. Rita Louise