It's Where I Am with Zandra Polard

Zandra Polard discusses the issue of "failure to launch" among young adults, attributing it to social media and technology overexposure, leading to social isolation, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Sandra Pierre-Louis from Divine Soul Mental Health emphasizes the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and establishing routines for children and young adults. She highlights the need for personalized care, considering both physical and mental health factors. Dr. Pierre-Louis also discusses her work at UNLV, focusing on chronic illnesses and mental health, and the importance of early career planning and volunteer work. She encourages parents to seek professional help and mentorship for...

Dr. Goeglein discussed her book "Don't Die Waiting to Be Brave" and the upcoming "Unicorn Ageless Edge Challenge" for 2025, focusing on positive psychology techniques to live in the present. She emphasized managing thoughts to avoid future anxieties, using Thanksgiving as an example. Dr. Goeglein suggested setting boundaries and having open conversations to mitigate family tensions during holidays. She also introduced a new six-month program starting in 2025, which will include deep dives into books like "The Big Goal" and "The Tomorrow Mind" to help participants achieve their goals and adapt to AI's impact. The program will involve monthly Zoom sessions...

Zandra Polard interviews Shane Mosley Jr. about discipline, particularly in the context of boxing and personal life. Shane emphasizes the importance of setting goals, prioritizing time, and maintaining a disciplined diet. He shares his experience of training his son, who struggled with schoolwork, and how discipline transitioned from boxing to academics. Shane discusses the significance of having a framework for success, whether in sports or personal life, and the value of mentorship. He also touches on the role of faith in his life, the importance of family time, and the benefits of homeschooling his children. The conversation concludes with...

Zandra Polard interviews Denise Hooks, a psychologist specializing in trauma, somatic experiencing, and psychedelics. Denise explains the differences between cognitive behavioral therapy and somatic experiencing, emphasizing the latter's focus on the body's response to trauma. She discusses how trauma is stored physically and the importance of releasing it through somatic practices. Denise also explores the use of psychedelics in therapy, highlighting their non-addictive nature and effectiveness in treating addiction and PTSD. She stresses the need for post-psychedelic integration support to prevent shock and ensure proper psychological integration.

Zandra Polard discusses Educare, an agency supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Executive Director, Kelli Slaughter, explains that Educare provides services from age 18 onwards, with five residential homes in Las Vegas catering to those with high medical needs, such as g-tubes and colostomy bags. Staff undergo extensive training, including 40 hours initially, and homes house six individuals with 24/7 care. Educare receives referrals from hospitals and nursing homes and emphasizes independence and social activities. The agency also offers employment opportunities and benefits for staff. The conversation highlights the need for more services and the challenges in providing care for...

Zandra Polard hosts a discussion with life coach Perry Richardson and Katie Ordonez on self-love and adolescent development. Perry's podcast, "The Mindset Babe," focuses on empowering women through positive self-talk, action towards dreams, and self-compassion. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating small achievements monthly. Katie, who works with adolescents, highlights the significance of instilling self-care habits early. They discuss the impact of societal messages on self-worth and the necessity of recognizing and addressing negative thoughts. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding and celebrating one's happiness and the role of peer support in mental health.

Dr. Andrea Goeglein discusses positive psychology, emphasizing a shift from focusing on mental illness to understanding what makes people thrive. She highlights the importance of mental health awareness and daily practices to maintain well-being. Goeglein suggests exercises like writing down the first thought of the day and reframing negative thoughts. She introduces "seeding your dreams" to improve future days and journaling with gratitude. Goeglein also mentions her "Unicorn Challenge," a 60-day program to integrate positive psychology practices, and her past podcast, "Hey Boss Lady." She encourages daily habits to prevent negative thought patterns and stresses the importance of community...

Zandra Polard hosts a discussion on bipolar disorder, featuring Brionna Hines, President of the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). Brionna shares her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar type one in 2018 after experiencing severe depression and a manic episode. She emphasizes the importance of professional help, the challenges of finding the right medication, and the role of peer-led support groups like DBSA. Brionna also discusses the impact of bipolar disorder on her family and the significance of understanding triggers and coping strategies. The conversation highlights the need for mental health awareness and resources, including upcoming events like the NAMI...

In this enlightening episode of "It's Where I Am," host Zandra Polard engages with school counselor Katie Ordonez to explore the vital differences between school counselors and psychologists. They delve into the importance of social-emotional wellness in students, discuss innovative programs like the Hope Squad aimed at suicide prevention, and highlight the critical role peers play in supporting each other. Katie shares valuable insights on identifying warning signs of distress in youth, the significance of mindfulness, and the transformative power of journaling. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering mental health awareness and support within schools...