This bonus episode discusses suicide prevention, mental health, support, and the end of the year.  This episode features your host, Harvard-trained, double board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Ericka Goodwin.   Questions this episode will answer: -What can you do to help decrease suicide? -How can support improve mental health? -What are strategies to improve your mental health for the new year? The recent suicide of Stephen "Twitch" Boss has brought the conversation of suicide and mental health back to the mainstream.  The end of the year, a never-ending pandemic, plus chaotic moments around every corner can strain everyone's mental health.  Whether you are looking for ways to be a mental health ally, support your loved ones, or improve your own mental health, there is something in this episode for you.  Don't worry, it's not going to be all gloom and doom because this episode is about practical strategies that can are you and those around you for a better 2023.   Connect with Dr. Ericka: https://instagram.com/doctorericka https://facebook.com/doctorericka https://linkedin.com/in/doctorericka https://doctorericka.com Resources: Telepsychiatry Practice:  www.AskDrGoodwin.com Free coaching guide, Feel Better:  5 Tips to Overcoming Anxiety:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Dr. Ericka: Dr. Ericka Goodwin is on a mission to help you Be Better, Do Better, and Live Better. She is a Harvard-trained, double board-certified psychiatrist, bestselling author, top-rated speaker, integrative lifestyle coach, and creator of the hit podcast, “Better with Dr. Ericka.” She is a graduate of Spelman College and Emory University School of Medicine. She also completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Ericka works with organizations and high-performing individuals who are stuck and want to get back to getting better results and living a better life. Within a few moments of being with Dr. Ericka, you can see why executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs hire her to get to the next level. She takes Ivy League strategies and simplifies them into easy-to-use steps that everyone can relate to. Dr. Ericka’s down-to-earth style makes it easy for everyone to relate to her story, feel seen, heard, and look within to access greater levels of personal and professional breakthroughs. Dr. Ericka’s story is proof that “When you know better, you can do better!”

This episode discusses the power of your story and narrative as a tool to understanding and improving your health.  My guest is Andrea Nakayama who is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator leading clients, students, and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to reclaim ownership over our own health. Questions this episode will answer: -What is a functional medicine nutritionist? -Why are lifestyle habits important for your health? -How can you harness your own power to take control of your health? -What role can medical professionals play in your journey other than managing crises? You don’t want to miss a minute of this episode because we also talk about real world strategies you can do, along with real world blocks that can keep people from being at optimal health to be able to be better, do better and live better. Connect with Andrea Nakayama: https://www.instagram.com/andreanakayama https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreanakayama https://andreanakayama.substack.com https://twitter.com/AndreaNakayama https://www.facebook.com/AndreaNakayama.page/ Resources: www.andreanakayama.com www.fxnutrition.com www.fullbodysystems.com Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Andrea Nakayama: Andrea Nakayama is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator leading clients, students, and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to reclaim ownership over our own health. She is also the founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance. Through Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea and her team train over 3,500 practitioners every year in the science and art of the Functional Nutrition practice. Her unique methodologies give coaches and clinicians the tools needed to guide a client into mastery of their own health. In addition, Andrea is the host and producer of the 15-Minute Matrix podcast for practitioners, and she is regularly consulted as the nutrition expert on the medical teams for the toughest clinical cases in the practices of world-renowned doctors. In everything she does, Andrea brings her keen investigative prowess, vast knowledge of physiology, deep respect for each individual, and a true passion and love for her field of nutrition. She is celebrated as a leader in the field of Functional Nutrition because of her unique ability to teach and inspire practitioners and patients alike. She synthesizes art and science, empathy and physiology, intuition and problem solving, into a system that truly helps people get to the root causes of their illness, create a path towards wellness, and find their way back to life.

This episode discusses loneliness and how improving connection can be a powerful health and wellness tool with Pete Bombaci.  Pete is an expert in the field of human connection and the founder of The GenWell Project - a Canadian organization dedicated to making the world a healthier and happier place by reminding people about the importance of face-to-face social connection as a proactive health action that they can take, and inspiring them to take action. Questions this episode will answer: -Why is human connection important? -Can loneliness impact your health? -How can you improve connection and decrease loneliness? Whether you are lonely, looking to improve relationships, or simply want better health, there is something for you in this episode. Connect with Pete Bombaci: https://www.instagram.com/genwellproject/?hl=en https://twitter.com/genwellproject?lang=en Resources: www.genwellproject.org Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Pete Bombaci: Pete is an expert in the field of human connection and the founder of The GenWell Project - a Canadian organization dedicated to making the world a healthier and happier place by reminding people about the importance of face-to-face social connection as a proactive health action that they can take, and inspiring them to take action. Following a successful career in the beverage alcohol industry, Pete ventured into the world of charities and not-for-profits by heading up Movember Canada. Under his leadership, Movember Canada grew to become the largest fundraising country around the world. After nearly five years, Pete left Movember Canada and has since focused on the roll out of his passion project, The GenWell Project.

This episode features a discussion of improving sex and intimacy.  You may be wondering why this matters to your mental health, and you need to tune in to hear more.  My guest is Irene Fehr, MA, CPCC, and she is a Certified Sex & Intimacy Coach, who helps couples make love and sex work in long-term relationships and bring sex and passion into sexless ones. Questions this episode will answer: -What is a sex and intimacy coach? -Why do women often fill broken related to sex? -How to advocate and ask for the intimacy you want? -Why do sex and intimacy matter to mental health? Whether you are dealing with unsatisfying sex, a lack of intimacy in your relationship, or want to just learn how to improve your satisfaction and intimacy (now or in the future), there is something for you in this episode. Connect with Irene Fehr: https://www.facebook.com/ignitedwoman https://www.twitter.com/ignitedwoman https://www.instagram.com/ignitedwoman https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenefehr Resources: www.irenefehr.com https://www.irenefehr.com/wanting-sex-again Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Irene Fehr: Irene Fehr, MA, CPCC, Certified Sex & Intimacy Coach, helps couples make love and sex work in long-term relationships and bring sex and passion into sexless ones. Determined to dispel myths about why sex dies in long-term monogamous relationships that cause heartache and broken dreams, Irene’s views have been featured all around the world in HuffPost, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, ScaryMommy, EliteDaily and Bustle. She is no stranger to her clients' issues, having recovered from the all-too-common story of ‘happy marriage turned sexless’ when she lost her libido — all before turning 30.

This episode discusses relationships and finding ways to be single and happy. My guest is Jacqui Pugh who is a Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and a Certified Life and Emotional Intelligence Coach with an emphasis in singles, helps people all around the world use their old flame to light their new fire. Questions this episode will answer: -What is Neuro Linguistic Programming? -Why do people often end up in multiple relationships that are similar? -How can you embrace being single rather than lamenting not being in a relationship? -What are some strategies to improve self-love? Whether you are dealing with a break-up, living single life, or in a relationship, there is something you can learn from this episode. Connect with Jacqui Pugh: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jacqui_pugh/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jacquipughofficial TESTIMONIALS: https://youtu.be/qIki6UzN2Os Resources: BURN PROGRAM: https://jacquipugh.com/home/burn-program/burn/ FREEBIE - The Top 7 SECRETS to being SINGLE AF (and Fulfilled) & LOVING LIFE! : https://www.facebook.com/groups/singleaflovinglife WEBSITE: https://jacquipugh.com/ Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Jacqui Pugh: Jacqui Pugh, Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and Certified Life and Emotional Intelligence Coach with an emphasis on singles, helps people all around the world use their old flame to light their new fire. Through humor, knowledge, and experience, she guides her clients through uncovering blocks and ineffective life patterns that have been holding them back, followed by introducing massive action in order to activate major, desired life changes. Coming in 2023, is her book, "Sometimes It Takes a Breakup" - where she shares her story of how heartbreaks of all kinds lead her to her heart’s purpose, along with actionable steps for you to discover how to beneficially utilize yours. Keep your eye out for her fun and raw podcast on life and relationships releasing this fall called, "Stop F*cking Settling!" This fiery ball of energy will not stop pursuing her efforts to make this world a better place and to help make other people’s lives healthier and happier!

This episode features an important discussion of what therapy actually looks like and how it works.  My guess is Tanya Cole-Lesnick who is a psychotherapist and coach that also runs a group therapy program. Questions this episode will answer: -What is group therapy and how does it work? -Why is discomfort necessary for transformation? -What is the difference between coaching and therapy? -How can having a therapist on a wellness team benefit you? Whether you are curious about group therapy or individual therapy, are looking at how to get more out of your coaching experiences, or just want your life to be better, this episode has something for you.  There is a real conversation around what to really expect in therapy. Connect with Tanya Cole-Lesnick: https://www.instagram.com/tanyathetherapist/ https://www.tiktok.com/@tanyathetherapist Resources: https://www.tanyacole-lesnick.com/ Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Tanya Cole-Lesnick: Tanya Cole-Lesnick has been a psychotherapist (licensed clinical social worker) and coach since 1995. She received her master’s degree in social work from New York University after group therapy changed her life. She has extensive experience in outpatient hospital mental health, private practice, and wellness center settings. From those experiences, over the years she has identified her most important focus—helping people to clear energetic clutter so they can focus on what matters most to them. She does this by helping clients to access and honor their truth, to change habits that don’t serve them, and to heal faulty narratives so that they are living in alignment inside and out. Her work revolves around a combination of intimate therapeutic groups and individual sessions, as the sharing of inner worlds and being human together in a safe space and a chance to process whatever comes up separately until clients are ready to share those details in the group is an incredibly powerful combination that leads to lasting transformation.

This episode discusses the value of connection and community!  I have the Just 4 Girlfriends Crew of Angelique David, Robyn McFarland, and Michelle Skinner.  Just 4 GirlFriends’ mission is to create an environment for all women to embrace self-care and self-preservation by providing engaging experiences that rejuvenate the mind and soul. Questions this episode will answer: -How can community help your mental health? -What are some ways to have self-care curated? -What is the importance of asking for help? -Why does sisterhood matter? Even if you don’t identify as a woman, there is something for you in this episode, and you will learn more about how to support the women in your life. Connect with Just 4 Girlfriends: https://www.instagram.com/just4girlfriends/ https://www.facebook.com/just4girlfriends/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/just-4-girlfriends/ Resources: www.just4girlfriends.com Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Just 4 Girlfriends: Just 4 GirlFriends’ (“J4G”) was founded in 2017 on the idea that women are often so busy taking care of everything and everyone that we often forget to take care of ourselves- that’s where J4G comes in. J4G's mission is to create an environment for all women to embrace self-care and self-preservation by providing engaging experiences that rejuvenate the mind and soul. J4G’s mission is fulfilled by operating on three pillars of membership engagement - (1) Fun UNIQUE events that provide personal growth and self-care while creating a safe environment for women to bond personally and professionally; (2) vetted shared resources, networks and collaboration from J4G and between members; and (3) a mighty sisterhood of amazing women from across the country.

This episode features a discussion about mental health and turning pain into purpose. My special guest is Shanti Das, who is a dynamic mental health advocate, music industry veteran, and change maker. Her story is special, and you will definitely learn something from hearing it. Questions this episode will answer: -How does someone dying by suicide impact their loved ones? -What are some ways to find purpose from pain? -How can you advocate for mental health? -How can you be an ally for those impacted by mental health challenges? Whether you have been struggling with your mental health, looking to protect your mental health, or looking for ways to pivot from your career, there is something for you in this episode. Connect with Shanti: https://instagram.com/shantidas404 https://instagram.com/silencetheshame Resources: www.ShantiDas.biz www.silencetheshame.com Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Shanti Das: Shanti Das is an accomplished entertainment industry veteran, speaker, author, and Philanthropist. As a result of Shanti’s extensive community work in the 2000 decade, she decided to establish her very own nonprofit, The Hip-Hop Professional Foundation, Inc. The foundation was rebranded under the name Silence the Shame, Inc., the mental health movement that lead the way since 2016.

This episode features Brandi Junious, and you are in for a treat. She leads global diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across a multitude of industries, transforming multinational corporations, firms, nonprofit organizations, and local governments. She’s also an artist and uses her art to facilitate healing spaces. Questions this episode will answer: -What is an artivist? -How can art therapy and creative expression be healing tools? -How can creativity enhance DEI work? You’ll want to stay for the whole episode because we talk about everything from art, childhood, therapy, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Connect with Brandi: https://www.instagram.com/brandijunious.art/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandijunious/ Resources: https://www.beaconoflightwholepersonwellness.com/ https://www.brandijuniousart.com/ Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: AskDrGoodwin.com Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com About Brandi: Brandi Junious leads global diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across a multitude of industries, transforming multinational corporations, firms, nonprofit organizations, and local governments through the tactical interweaving of DEI practices into all facets of the business structure. Through strategic advising and management consulting, she helps senior leaders and human resource professionals live their equity mission and create more inclusive workplace cultures. Her areas of focus include strategic workforce diversity planning, pay equity analysis and remediation, DEI-centered change management, workplace culture assessment, developing and implementing equity-minded SMART goals, and the design, delivery, and facilitation of professional learning programs. She has partnered with Fortune 100 and 500 companies, media leaders, technology firms, and financial management organizations to advance DEI efforts, impacting thousands of employees and their surrounding communities. Brandi is also an expert keynote speaker and facilitator, instructing on the topics of Using Data to Advance DEI Goals; Identifying and Overcoming Pay Disparities; Strategically Diversifying the Workforce; Embedding Racial Equity into HR Practices; and Budgeting for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Additionally, Brandi's work through the USC Race and Equity Center has been featured in CUPA-HR’s Higher Ed HR Magazine, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, and the USC Rossier Magazine. Brandi is also an internationally-recognized artist, artivist, and contributor to art movements centering identity, justice, and representation. She is also founder and CEO of Beacon of Light Whole-Person wellness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and programming designed to improve whole-person wellness through creative therapies and holistic healing. As a trauma-informed certified therapeutic art life coach, Brandi teaches individuals how to use art as a pathway for healing, restoration, and reclaiming power. Brandi prides herself on creating equitable spaces across contexts that promote recovery from racialized, gendered, and other forms of trauma and discrimination.

It’s time for another “Best of” episode, and this one will focus on getting better health and wellness. This episode features clips from: Episode 34: Fertility and Advocating for Reproductive Rights of Black Women with Chiquita Lockley Episode 37: Addiction, Substance Abuse, and Compassion with Dr. Cyntrell Crawford Episode 38: Better Health and Being an Untraditional Doctor with Dr. Renee Matthews Episode 41: Keys to Wellness with Dr. Jada Moore-Ruffin Episode 44: Perimenopause, Menopause, and Reproductive Health with Dr. LaKeischa McMillan It doesn’t matter where you are in your wellness journey or your gender, there’s something for you in this episode. These guests are all certified truth-tellers! Connect with Dr. Cyntrell: Https://instragram.com/DrCyntrellPsych https://www.facebook.com/DrCyntrellPsych/ Connect with Chiquita: https://www.instagram.com/eggsovereasyfilm/ Connect with Dr. Renee: https://instagram.com/AskDrRenee https://facebook.com/AskDrRenee Connect with Dr. Jada: https://instagram.com/drjadamd https://facebook.com/drjadamd Connect with Dr. LaKeischa: https://instagram.com/drlakeischamd https://facebook.com/drlakeischamd Resources: Feel Better: 5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety coaching guide:  www.FeelBetterBonus.com Telepsychiatry from Dr. Goodwin: askdrgoodwin.com www.DrLaKeischaMD.com www.hormonequiz.co https://startwithreal.com http://www.eggsovereasyfilm.com www.drcyntrell.com https://askdrrenee.info