Paradox of Fear in Leadership -- Attitudes Around Emotions Start from the Top with Russell Peterson | Ep. 65

Paradox of Fear in Leadership -- Attitudes Around Emotions Start from the Top with Russell Peterson | Ep. 65

Why do leaders need to talk about fear and emotion at work?

How can peer support programs improve workplace mental health?

What are the hidden dangers of emotional suppression in tough, self-reliant industries?

If you've ever been told to “suck it up,” “walk it off,” or “leave it at the door,” congratulations! You’ve had a front-row seat to emotional shutdown culture. One that’s usually recognized, reinforced, and modeled by top leadership.

In this conversation, I talk with counselor and wilderness enthusiast Russell Peterson about how emotional avoidance, particularly in male-dominated, tough-it-out industries, stems not from weakness but from deeply embedded survival strategies. The good news? We can learn to steer fear productively... and finally ditch the myth that showing emotion makes us fragile.

We unpack how to help leaders become culture shapers, not emotional bottlenecks

A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64

A Lived Experience Perspective: A Construction Worker’s Story of Work-Related Suicide and Survival | Ep. 64

Join Jorgen Gullestrup with guest speaker Justin Geange, as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. 

Compassionate Curiosity: How SAR Disease Can Transform Workplace Wellbeing with Michael Wright | Ep. 63

Compassionate Curiosity: How SAR Disease Can Transform Workplace Wellbeing with Michael Wright | Ep. 63

This week on Headspace for the Workplace, I speak with Michael Wright, an accomplished first responder and chaplain from Texas with decades of experience in EMS and a profound understanding of the human condition. Our conversation explored the intricacies of creating psychologically safe work environments by recognizing and acting upon subtle signs of distress—a skill Michael refers to as identifying "SAR disease" or something ain't right syndrome. His insights underscored the critical role of awareness in fostering workplace well-being.

Recognizing the Signs: Mental Health and Opioid Addiction in the Workplace with Kristina Ewing | Ep. 62

Recognizing the Signs: Mental Health and Opioid Addiction in the Workplace with Kristina Ewing | Ep. 62

The journey into overdose prevention in workplaces may seem daunting to some, but Kristina Ewing joins us to unpack how we can put powerful, practical strategies in place to save lives. We discuss how creative benefits planning can stem the cycle of addiction and how tools like Narcan can become as essential in workplaces as fire extinguishers. Let’s challenge ourselves to think bigger and act bolder when it comes to safeguarding our colleagues and loved ones.

Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support Across Industries with Dr. Simon Hatcher | Ep. 61

Lessons from Police Suicide Research: Improving Mental Health Support Across Industries with Dr. Simon Hatcher | Ep. 61

As someone who started their career in police psychology, I've always been deeply interested in understanding how high-risk professions impact mental health. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa about his fascinating research on police suicide and what we can learn from it to help other high-risk industries. Our conversation revealed some critical insights that can benefit workplaces across various sectors.

The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces with the President of CCA John Levy | Ep. 60

The Role of EAPs in Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces with the President of CCA John Levy | Ep. 60

As a mental health advocate working with numerous employers, I frequently encounter organizations that underutilize one of their most valuable resources: their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In my recent conversation with John Levy, president of CCA, we explored how companies need to shift their perception of EAPs from being just another employee benefit to viewing them as strategic partners in workplace wellbeing. This paradigm shift is crucial because when employers limit their understanding of EAPs to just providing therapy services, they miss out on a wealth of opportunities to improve their organizational health.

From the Shadows into the Light – Supporting Complicated Grief at Work: Interview with Katie Huey | Ep. 59

From the Shadows into the Light – Supporting Complicated Grief at Work: Interview with Katie Huey | Ep. 59

This week I am joined by Katie Huey, an expert in leadership and organizational development, whose personal journey through loss has fueled her passion for advocating compassionate workplaces. Together, we discuss the profound impact of complicated and disenfranchised grief on individuals and the workplace.

The Role of Employers in Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention with US Army Veteran John Cornelius | Ep. 58

The Role of Employers in Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention with US Army Veteran John Cornelius | Ep. 58

I had the privilege of hosting Arm Veteran, John Cornelius, who brought incredible insight into the pressing issue of firearm safety and suicide prevention. As workplace leaders, it’s common to question why firearm safety matters within our professional environments. Yet, as John eloquently explained, the alarming statistics make a compelling case for proactive measures. When it comes to our youth, the urgency escalates: about 82% of young people who die by firearm suicide obtain these weapons from friends or family members. This is why creating safer homes through responsible firearm storage is a critical aspect of suicide prevention.

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2024 Year-End Rewind – Reflecting, Growing, and Shaping the Future Together

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2024 Year-End Rewind – Reflecting, Growing, and Shaping the Future Together

Welcome to a special year-end episode of Headspace for the Workplace, where we take a moment to reflect on the past year, celebrate milestones, and plan for an even more impactful 2025. As we close out 2024, we honor a deeply personal milestone: twenty years since the suicide death of my precious brother, Carson. His memory continues to guide my mission to foster transformative change in workplace mental health and suicide prevention.

Highlights of Our 2024 Journey

This year has been a testament to the power of lived experience, collaborative leadership, and actionable strategies in reshaping workplace culture. Here’s a look back at some of the key moments that defined 2024

Investing in Mental Health Services for Spanish-Speaking Workforces with Dr. Pierluigi Mancini | Ep. 57

Investing in Mental Health Services for Spanish-Speaking Workforces with Dr. Pierluigi Mancini | Ep. 57

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Dr. Pierluigi Mancini, a stalwart in promoting mental health awareness for the Spanish-speaking workforce. As we delved into the intricacies of mental health care and its accessibility, it became strikingly clear that we must move beyond mere translation and token gestures. Instead, we need a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges and integrates cultural and linguistic diversity. Dr. Mancini aptly put it: recognizing cultural cues can be the key to mental wellness at work. This underscores the necessity for organizations to train their supervisors and HR teams in detecting nuanced expressions of mental distress that might not conform to Western paradigms.

The Anxious Achiever – Rethinking the Relationship Between Your Mental Health and Success with Morra Aarons-Mele | Ep. 56

The Anxious Achiever – Rethinking the Relationship Between Your Mental Health and Success with Morra Aarons-Mele | Ep. 56

Morra Aarons-Mele is a renowned voice in the realm of leadership and mental health, bringing a fresh perspective to how executives and professionals can embrace and channel their anxiety to become resilient, impactful leaders. Known for her thought-provoking podcast, The Anxious Achiever, Morra redefines the relationship between mental health and success, advocating for a balanced, mindful approach to leadership.

Long-term Postvention Strategies for the Workplace with Tim De Goey | Ep. 55

Long-term Postvention Strategies for the Workplace with Tim De Goey | Ep. 55

I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Tim De Goey all the way from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, and, wow, did we dive deep into an important topic—workplace postvention. If you’re scratching your head on what that is, think of it as the action plan for when your workplace is rocked by a suicide, whether it’s a coworker, a family member, or even a retiree. We’re not talking about sweeping it under the rug; it’s about facing it head-on with empathy and a solid game plan. Tim shared some real gems, like breaking down the first crucial steps for workplaces to provide a safe space for people to grieve and process their sorrow. Can you believe that some places just try to march on like nothing’s happened? Yikes!

Lessons from the Fire Service -- Building Cultural Empathy, Unity, and Unyielding Advocacy: Interview with Assistant Chief Manny Almaguer | Ep 53

Lessons from the Fire Service -- Building Cultural Empathy, Unity, and Unyielding Advocacy: Interview with Assistant Chief Manny Almaguer | Ep 53

Today, we review cultural empathy and building common unity in our workplaces, focused specifically on first responders. My amazing guest, Assistant Chief Manny Almaguer from the Denver Fire Department, brings so much wisdom and personal experience to the table. From his 25 years of service to his transformative work in mental health advocacy.

Why Employees Quit - Five Reasons beyond the Paycheck with Shannon Mekeel | Ep. 52

Why Employees Quit - Five Reasons beyond the Paycheck with Shannon Mekeel | Ep. 52

Do you know why employees stay at companies? Turns out, it's not all about the money! I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly vibrant Shannon Mekeel. Together, we unpacked the critical role of empathy and humanistic management practices in retaining top talent. If you want a workplace where your team thrives, you definitely don't want to miss this episode.

Navigating Tough Transitions and Embracing Self-Love with Keith Binkley

Navigating Tough Transitions and Embracing Self-Love with Keith Binkley

This episode I had the pleasure to sit down with Keith Binkley, who brings a wealth of insight about the misconceptions between performance and worth. We cover why we often equate our achievements with love and self-value. He candidly discusses how big life transitions can shake our very foundation and the vital need for support during these times. If you've ever felt like your worth is tied to what you do, you won't want to miss this conversation. 

Emotional Triggers in the Workplace: A Pathway to Healing with Susan Winchester

Emotional Triggers in the Workplace: A Pathway to Healing with Susan Winchester

I am joined by the amazing Susan Winchester, author of Healing at Work. She opened up about a topic that's seldom addressed but so incredibly vital—how our past traumas and dysfunctional patterns can unconsciously shape our careers. The discussion was rich with insights and actionable strategies to help us all step off the unconscious, wounded career path and onto a conscious healing one. Susan shared her deeply personal journey from being a high-achieving, perfectionist people pleaser driven by the need for external validation, to becoming someone who now focuses on healing and consciously making healthier career choices.

Transforming Recovery: Insights and Innovation with Chris Thompson of Sober Sidekick

Transforming Recovery: Insights and Innovation with Chris Thompson of Sober Sidekick

Join Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas and Chris Thompson, CEO of Sober Sidekick, in this eye-opening episode of 'Headspace for the Workplace.' Discover Chris's inspiring recovery journey, the dark side of the rehab industry, and the importance of community support in addiction recovery. Learn about the world's largest peer support app, Sober Sidekick, and its impact on empowering millions. Don't miss this powerful discussion on creating psychologically safe workplaces and fostering well-being and resilience. Listen now for actionable insights and hope for lasting recovery.