Episodes
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In this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Arden shares that the podcast is going on a brief hiatus. It will return in June 2024 with a fresh, new spin. Please stick around – we’ll be bringing you top-notch guests, including professionals and individuals with inspiring personal journeys. During our new podcast, we'll be shedding light on stories of resilience and addressing challenging topics not often discussed. Ensure you're subscribed to our newsletter for updates on the upcoming show. You can sign up on our website at www.OConnorPG.com.
Although Diana and I will continue as co-hosts, we will have a rotating group of hosts who are other O’Connor Professional Group staff members. For announcements, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. Thank you for your continued support!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[:29] Arden shares Beyond the Balance Sheet will be on a short break until June 2024
[1:02] Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss exciting announcements about the new show. Diana and Arden are co-hosts with a rotating group of other OPG hosts and guests
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When the podcast returns in June, there will be new guests and stories of resilience. Please don’t unsubscribe; stay tuned for the new format and guests.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
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In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Dr. Craig Heacock joins us. He is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado and the host and co-producer of the podcast Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories. First, Dr. Heacock gives us a brief history of ketamine from the last fifty years as an FDA-approved drug. We talk about how ketamine became a go-to treatment for resistant depression and bipolar disorder. Tune in as Dr. Heacock reveals how a state-of-the-art assessment delivery and follow-up for ketamine would look like.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:00] Ketamine: a brief history of the past fifty years.
[05:00] How would a state-of-the-art assessment delivery and follow-up for ketamine look like?
[09:00] Who is running the ketamine clinics if there’s a shortage of psychiatrists?
[11:55] How money and profit drive some of this ketamine delivery.
[16:09] Dr. Heacock’s experience with individuals who abuse ketamine.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Ketamine is a go-to treatment for resistant depression and bipolar disorder.
A state-of-the-art ketamine therapy involves a true psychiatric evaluation to see if there are other things that should be happening first.
Ketamine does not replace medications; it augments them and helps them work better.
Most people that are receiving ketamine treatments are very middle class.
LINKS MENTIONED:
craigheacockmd.com
Podcast: Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-from-the-abyss-psychiatry-in-stories/id1469826718
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/theabysspod/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/backfromtheabysspodcast/
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-heacock-md-1a8618196
BIO:
Dr. Craig Heacock is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and addiction specialist in Colorado and the host and co-producer of the podcast Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories. He was a co-therapist in the Phase 3 trial of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD and has particular interest in the use of ketamine and other psychedelics to treat severe mood disorders and PTSD. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and did his psychiatry training at Brown University.
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Missing episodes?
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In this revisited episode, we are joined by OPG’s Director of Aging Services, Sam van Kalkeren. Sam discusses how to help a loved one faced with a dementia diagnosis. He gives excellent information on how to communicate with a loved one to ensure their voice is heard as they navigate this difficult path. Sam talks about the benefits of having a care partner and what type of support they can offer the family. It is vital to have a care partner if the ailing family member lives out of state. We touch on what happens when someone with a dementia diagnosis gets a psychiatric admission and give excellent tips on keeping the loved one safe. This episode contains great information to help your aging parent handle cognitive decline.
IN THIS EPISODE
[2:20] How does a child support a parent facing cognitive decline?
[5:20] What are the benefits of having a care partner?
[8:52] What is the best way to communicate with someone with dementia?
[10:40] What does Sam recommend to children when they first hear the diagnosis?
[12:04] How do family members help someone struggling with dementia avoid being taken advantage of financially?
[14:24] What happens when someone goes into the hospital with a psychiatric admission?
[20:25] How do you help a family member who doesn’t want to accept their diagnosis?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Have hard conversations about how the ailing parent wants to live the rest of their life. Do they want a DNI (do not intubate) or DNR (do not resuscitate)? Know all medications and have everything laid out to help the parent.
Form a relationship with a care partner if you are out of state or need additional support.
Those with dementia need a lot of support. Some people can continue to live at home, work, and speak for themselves, but the proper support needs to be in place.
If your loved one goes into the psychiatric emergency department, they may get scared and become aggressive. If they are sedated due to that behavior, it can be difficult to go back to inpatient care. An impatient home may not want to take the patient back if they display aggressive behavior. It’s important to have a care partner to help avoid the loved one being put in a psychiatric department.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-van-kalkeren-msn-rn/
BIO:
Sam van Kalkeren, MSN, RN, CDP, is OPG’s Director of Aging Services. He has been working as a psychiatric RN since 2012 and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Sam has worked with all age populations suffering from mental illness, from pediatrics to geriatrics. He has experience working with clients suffering from substance use and co-occurring disorders, complex mental health diagnoses, neurocognitive disorders, and personality disorders. Most of his nursing career has been in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Sam joined OPG from Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Before Tufts, he was the Patient Care Director for the geriatric and adult inpat
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Ayanna Davis, also known as Phenomenally Autistic, joins Diana to discuss her unique path to navigating autism as a black artist. Autism is often overlooked within the black community in America. Ayanna actively promotes the recognition of autism, using her art to express love, joy, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Alongside her advocacy, she has faced various health challenges commonly associated with an autism diagnosis. Meeting Ayanna is an enriching experience. Her strength and perseverance radiate through every facet of her journey.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[:29] Diana introduces Ayanna Davis, also known as Phenomenally Autistic
[1:36] Ayanna describes her feelings of being different and how she learned she was autistic
[4:39] Ayanna talks about her confusion about the diagnosis and what her childhood was like
[7:22] Ayanna speaks about the role art plays in her life
[9:13] Ayanna talks about her history of seizures, and she reveals what she expects 2024 to look like
[11:26] Ayanna explains how she named herself phenomenally autistic and how music plays a part in her life
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[1:22] When you are an artist and autistic, some people will feel you are eccentric because of your artistic nature and not realize the underlying cause of your actions.
[4:21] Once Ayanna learned of her diagnosis, she began to express her “true self.”
[8:02] Ayanna’s neurodiversity allows her to see the world differently, as is apparent in her writing of children’s books.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Phenomenally APhenomenally Autistic(Phenomenallyautistic) - Latest Linksutistic - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Meet Ayanna, aka Phenomenally Autistic, an autism advocate advocating for black autistics to gain proper resources & visibility raised in Westchester County, New York. Along with being autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, lives with Chronic illnesses, and has five autoimmune diseases. Still, she doesn’t let that stop her from spreading her messages of self-love, joy, equality, diversity, inclusion & autism acceptance through the Arts.
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Dr. Colleen Jackson discusses cognitive testing in a way that makes it easily understandable, alleviating any apprehension associated with the assessment. She starts by distinguishing between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessments. Colleen shares insights into her approach and describes the valuable information that can be obtained from the testing process. Emphasizing a holistic perspective, she looks at an individual's overall health and well-being when giving her recommendations. Listeners will learn about cognitive assessments and neuropsychological testing to determine whether they might benefit a loved one.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:11] Colleen begins by describing the difference between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessments
[4:17] Colleen explains what the tests look like from a client perspective and what is involved
[7:36] Colleen talks about how a family member can encourage a loved one to seek a provider and what is learned through the testing
[12:06] Colleen discusses older adults, specifically
[16:06] Colleen refers to different treatment protocols based on test results
[20:25] Colleen ends by discussing other illnesses that can impact mental health or cognitive impairment
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[2:01] There is a difference between neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessment
[7:27] There are some tips that family members can use to encourage a person to seek a provider
[11:44] You can identify different conditions or illnesses through testing.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Dr. Colleen Jackson - LinkedIn
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Colleen Jackson received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut. She pursued a clinical internship in clinical neuropsychology and dementia clinical research at Rhode Island Hospital through the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, followed by research postdoctoral fellowships in the National Center for PTSD and the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders at the VA Boston Healthcare System. After completing postdoctoral training, Colleen assumed a staff neuropsychologist position at the VA Boston Healthcare System, where she was involved in direct clinical care, clinical supervision/mentorship, and research. Colleen served as the Chief of the Neuropsychology Clinic in the Department of Neurology at Boston Medical Center prior to establishing her private practice in 2022. Colleen conducts clinical neuropsychological evaluations with adults presenting with cognitive concerns associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, acquired brain injuries, substance use, and psychiatric conditions. Colleen approaches clinical care with a tailored focus on the client’s cognitive and psychological needs, individual strengths, and personal values.
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Dr. Sera Lavelle has a unique perspective on therapy and technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Lavelle, owner of New York Health and Hypnosis and Integrative Therapy and founder of Bea Better Eating, shares insights on how AI has influenced her practice and discusses the pros and cons. Dr. Lavelle talks about the various apps designed to teach about mindful eating and other disorders. She explains the different components in her guided hypnotherapy recordings as knowledge, motivation, and meditation. Get inspired and learn about different therapy techniques today.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:21] Dr. Lavelle talks about the pros and cons of using AI in therapy
[3:00] Dr. Lavelle explains what a therapy app is
[6:29] Dr. Lavelle shares information about the Bea Better Eating app she is launching
[9:51] Dr. Lavelle explains how Ericksonian hypnotherapy recordings work
[14:19] Dr. Lavelle explains how she got interested in Hypnotherapy, AI, and other technical tools for supporting her therapeutic work
[16:57] Dr. Lavelle talks about the similarities between hypnotherapy and meditation
[19:47] Dr. Lavelle says that hypnosis can be very valuable and not to fear AI
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[2:55] There are many types of therapy apps online; however, the consumer needs to know who produced the apps and whether they are a licensed therapist.
[9:30] Meditation apps designed by a team of psychologists can be helpful for guided hypnotherapy recordings.
[12:37] Does Oxytocin work, or is there a better option? Dr. Sera Lavelle shares her unique perspective on this topic and how therapy and technology, specifically online apps, can help.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
NY Health Hypnosis - Website
Bea Better Eating - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Sera Lavelle owns NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy and co-founded Bea Better Eating. She harbors a deep enthusiasm for the convergence of psychology and technology, driven by a vision to leverage AI to positively reshape the mental health domain. Her contributions have been recognized in reputable publications such as Forbes, Elle Magazine, and Allure. Through a mix of conscious and unconscious techniques, she has guided hundreds to overcome their challenges, propelling them toward a brighter future. A special focus of hers is aiding those wrestling with food-related issues. She believes that by healing this aspect of life, significant progress can be achieved in other areas.
Dr. Lavelle believes that merging psychology and technology can make mental health resources more within reach. While the irreplaceable value of in-person consultations with human psychologists is undeniable, as is the significance of human touch, it's a fact that they can't be omnipresent. By offering persistent access to ongoing self-help and psychological enrichment in an intelligent manner, we can bolster the efficacy of in-person sessions. This allows individuals to actively employ newfound strategies to foster change in the intervals between meetings.
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She-Rae Chen, the CEO and visionary behind SpringSpot, introduces comprehensive health principles to steer your family toward a balanced mental and physical lifestyle. In today's discussion, she elaborates on the structured framework that guides parents, children, and families in fostering a positive and healthy perspective on their well-being. SpringSpot was born to aid busy families like yours by providing wholesome activities for children and supporting parents in prioritizing self-care. Join Arden and She-Rae as they delve into the mind-body connection, healthy eating and sleeping habits, and alternatives to screen-centric activities for children. Take advantage of the insights shared in this Beyond the Balance Sheet episode.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:32] She-Rae discusses her professional background and the health scare she experienced
[4:44] SpringSpot was born from the idea that parents don’t have time to take care of themselves and their families
[6:27] Parents' long work hours and devices contribute to a breakdown in family time
[8:03] She-Rae explains how F.R.A.M.E.S works
[11:40] She-Rae makes suggestions on how to implement these pillars in your home
[20:30] Discussion regarding the importance of art and creativity
[25:33] Discussion regarding scheduling and emotional regulation
[29:45] Answering a kid's hard questions
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[3:13] A health scare can make you reassess your life and priorities. She credits her second chance at life as the motivation to begin self-care.
[6:23] Families face new challenges in today’s busy lifestyle they did not meet in the past.
[8:19] Springspot is founded on the acronym FRAME, each letter representing a holistic health pillar.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
SpringSpot - Website - http://www.springspot.co
BIOGRAPHY:
She-Rae Chen is the founder & CEO of SpringSpot. As a former NCAA Division I gymnast, she later juggled marriage, kids, and a full-time job. Balancing work, parenting, and household duties left little room for exercise and self-care. This struggle led her to create SpringSpot, aiming to empower families to prioritize health without sacrificing their own well-being or their children's.
Before SpringSpot, she held tech leadership roles at Apple and Amazon, spearheading digital media, mobile, and health innovations. She holds degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Business School and is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor, ACSM-CPT certified personal trainer, and PN1 certified nutrition coach.
She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and three young kids: two boys and a baby girl. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, swimming, practicing yoga, and being active outdoors with her family and friends.
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Jeff Johnston experienced the loss of his oldest son to Fentanyl poisoning in October 2016 and tragically lost his wife to alcoholism in 2021. Since then, he has dedicated himself to making a difference in mental health. In this edition of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Jeff shares his compelling story of a tragic death, substance use, and his path to recovery. His objective is to change the narrative around substance use and end the stigma. For individuals who are struggling, those who have lost loved ones, and those who are navigating the deep waters of substance use, there is help available. Don’t miss this powerful story.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:37] Jeff shares the beginning of his journey of tragedy, substance use, and death
[4:03] Jeff admits to being an alcoholic, how he quit, and how it took his wife's life
[7:22] Jeff considers suicide
[10:04] Jeff describes how he empowers youth to work on their mental health and the Gen Z advisory board
[12:20] Jeff shares how he encourages his granddaughter when she has a bad day
[15:37] Jeff admits to having two psychedelic experiences and discusses the effects
[17:50 What is negative visualization?
[19:56] Jeff describes his passion for Living Undeterred and what he is willing to do to see it survive
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
October 4, 2016 changed Jeff Johnston’s life forever. He and his wife lost their son to Fentanyl poisoning.
Jeff had a successful investment business and was on top of the world. Then his son, Seth, dies from Fentanyl poisoning, and Jeff’s secret life of alcoholism and gambling is exposed.
Jeff describes his journey from alcohol to gratitude. Making a sudden decision to stop drinking, he has dedicated his days to meditation and hosting a podcast focused on aiding individuals struggling with alcohol or substance use and those seeking to improve their mental well-being.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Brightn Your Life
Living Undeterred: Home
Jeff on Twitter: "Never changes" / Twitter
Brightn - Facebook
Brightn - Instagram
Living Undeterred - Podcast
Jeffrey Johnston - LinkedIn
This One's For You: Sophia, Eleni, Sophia, Eleni - Amazon.com
BIOGRAPHY: Jeff Johnston
On October 4, 2016, the trajectory of Jeff’s life changed with one phone call. Prior to that day, Jeff was living the American Dream. He had a great family, was a successful entrepreneur running a financial services firm in Iowa, and was seemingly coasting through life. On the morning of October 4, 2016, Jeff received the phone call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. His oldest son, Seth, had died from fentanyl poisoning. He was 23 years old.
Jeff soon realized that he had two options. He could go down a road of anger and despair and become bitter, or he could use his situation as motivation to become better. He chose the latter. Jeff decided to take a step back from his career as a financial advisor and focus his attention on making a difference. He became an advocate for bringing awareness to substance use and addiction in teens & young adults. He began speaking at high schools and community events and joined the board of a local treatment facility that Seth spent time at before his death.
In 2020, Jeff founded a non-profit, the Living Undeterred Project, to change the narrative on mental health & substance use disorder. That same year, he wrote his first book, “This One’s For You: An Inspirational Journey Through Addiction, Death, and Meaning,” and started the Living Undeterred Podcast. In 2021, the project got even more personal for Jeff when he lost his wife, Prudence, to alcoholism. He is currently working on a new mental health project, Brightn, geared toward Gen Z.
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Wealth advisors are continually nudged into broader elements of their client's lives. It’s up to these financial advisors to fulfill the role in addressing many situations, which helps them build a solid financial plan encompassing all aspects of their client's lives. In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Michael Conway, founder and CEO of Conway Wealth Group, and Zach Conway, Managing Director of Conway Wealth, join Arden and Diana to explain how they are supporting their clients' wealth in what matters. Michael and Zach discuss establishing a level of trust with their clients and initiating conversations about the non-financial issues in their lives. Finally, as our society becomes more open to discussing mental health, they address the changes they are experiencing in conversations with their clients.
In This Episode:
[01:36] The different ways Conway Wealth Group is addressing the multiple needs of their clients' families.
[04:22] Defining wealth differently - adding emotional and psychological components to defining wealth as well.
[06:49] Building a level of trust with a financial advisor to be able to openly communicate about more aspects in their lives besides just money, as those circumstances can play a role in their financial plan.
[12:13] The percentage of communication they have with clients about health and life satisfaction as opposed to financial matters of market and investment advice.
[16:11] As a culture moving towards more discussions on mental health, do Michael and Zach notice if clients are more willingly open to them as well?
[19:56] Is there ever a client that may be too complicated to take on?Key Takeaways:
Broadening the term “financial advisor” by discussing all aspects of a client's life - topics ranging from health to personal relationships.
Understanding that wealth is not only measured in how much money a client has, but also measured by emotional and psychological components in that client's life as well.
Starting a conversation by proactively bringing up issues a client may be putting off in their lives and addressing those issues, showing that addressing those issues may actually play a role in their financial plan.
An overwhelming amount of financial advisors now agree that advising on non-financial issues is extremely important.
Society has started to become more open about mental health discussions - how this has changed the interactions Conway Wealth Group has with their clients.Bio:
Michael Conway, CFP®, ChFC® is founder and CEO of Conway Wealth Group, a premier, independent financial planning and advisory firm. As a successful and well-respected financial advisor, Michael has spent more than 30 years providing specialized solutions that blend financial and estate planning strategies with open architecture investment management. By steering clients toward Aligning Life & Wealth®, Conway Wealth quantifies not just investment gains, but gains in the categories of life that actually create lasting happiness.
Michael is also the co-founder of the Life & Wealth Network, a platform for advisors to deliver exceptional professional resources to clients in the parts of life that matter most, and the co-founder and chairman of Seeds, a platform for advisors to deliver truly customized investment portfolios that align personal values with financial goals.
Michael is frequently looked to as an expert in financial news media, and has been featured in various publications, including Barron’s, the Wall Street Journal, and Investment News, among others. He was also named one of the 100 Most Influential Advisors by Investopedia.
Zach Conway is the Managing Director of Conway Wealth, a private wealth advisory firm focused on leading families toward aligning life and wealth. Zach is also the co-founder and CEO of Seeds, a tech-enabled asset management platform that empowers advisors to deliver portfolios that align financial goals and personal values. He also co-founded the Life & Wealth Network, a platform designed to give advisors the tools and professional solutions to help clients live a life beyond the numbers.Zach also writes for Forbes.com and has been featured in various publications, including Barron's, InvestmentNews, and others.
Links Mentioned:
https://www.conwaywealthgroup.com -
We're thrilled to have Haley Moss join us on this edition of Beyond the Balance Sheet. Haley, the first neurodiverse attorney in Florida, has been a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities since the age of 13. Her early diagnosis of autism provides her with a distinctive viewpoint, and she openly shares her personal experience. Haley discusses the “myth of independence” and how autism is like speaking another language. Tune in to gain insight into how she perceives the world through the unique lens of autism.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:34] Haley explains how she became a disability advocate at a young age
[4:35] Haley describes her childhood
[7:10] What is the myth of independence?
[9:33] Why is autism like speaking another language?
[11:58] What made Haley want to go to law school? Example of why she chose to work in the field of law she chose?
[15:13] How does Haley describe her uphill battles and her wish that the public was more aware of how the disabled feel?
[19:51] Haley explains the way she wants people to validate her feelings
[22:56] What is the luxury of being average?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[1:18] Haley Moss explains how being a neurodiverse attorney took on a life of its own.
[6:48] Haley discusses what she means by “the myth of independence.
[9:33] Can autism be like speaking another language?
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Haley Moss - Website
Haley Moss - YouTube
BIOGRAPHY:
Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is a speaker and consultant to top corporations and organizations seeking guidance in creating an inclusive workplace and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues. The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley’s books include “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals'' (ABA Book Publishing; June 2021) and “The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers; November 2021). Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company.
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Futures Recovery Health provides high-quality mental health services, including a program for the wealthy, on a 10-acre property in Tequesta, Florida. In this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, CEO Mike Holloway explains the origins of this family-owned enterprise and the reasons behind its out-of-network model. Mike describes the facility, the factors that make it a premier mental health facility choice, the care provided, and the importance of family involvement. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health disorder, this episode is for you.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:41] Mike describes his roles in his different family ventures
[4:40] Mike shares the conception of Futures Recovery Health
[8:03] Mike discusses private pay versus network-based insurance
[12:07] Mike talks about serving affluent families and getting them to own their recovery
[19:46] What happens at intake throughout the program
[22:46] Breaking down the stigma of mental health and new programming provided through Futures other ventures
[28:47] Mike challenges listeners to keep an open mind on new approaches to mental health care
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[11:29] Futures provides an array of amenities not generally provided by a network-based insurance model.
[17:29] Securing the support and agreement of the patient's family is crucial.
[20:26] A primary case manager and therapist will be with the patient during their entire stay at Futures Recovery Health.
RESOURCES:Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Futures Recovery Healthcare - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Michael Holloway currently serves as the President of GMH Ventures, the alternative investment arm of GMH Associates, Inc. GMH Associates was founded in 1985 by his father, Gary Holloway, Sr., and is the parent company for GMH Ventures and GMH Communities, a fully integrated commercial real estate company led by his brother, Gary Holloway, Jr. Michael helped start GMH Ventures in 2008, with Dennis O’Leary and became President upon Dennis’ retirement in 2016. Since its inception, GMH Ventures has made investments in various strategies and companies, including the likes of Security Networks, GMH Mortgage Services, Dynamic Healthcare Services, US Auto & Home, Kinetiq, Spirence, and Futures Recovery Healthcare.
Michael also currently operates as Chief Executive Officer of Futures Recovery Healthcare. Futures is an accredited, dual-licensed behavioral healthcare provider in Tequesta, FL. They offer multiple pathways to recovery for primary mental health and primary addiction with co-occurring mental health diagnoses through evidence-based medicine and research, compassionate alliance, and individualized care. Specializing in treatment for behavioral health, including trauma and chronic pain for adults, Futures uses a holistic approach that integrates somatic medicine, psychotherapies, and physical therapy & wellness services.
Michael brings financial and operational experience and strong leadership capabilities to the team at Futures. His strategic guidance, unwavering commitment to ethics, and family-centric values have propelled Futures to its reputation as a trusted provider, successfully attracting and retaining the industry’s top talent. Michael’s collaborative approach in working with his team has allowed Futures to anticipate the ever-changing need in behavioral healthcare, which has led to innovative programming and interventions for clinical practice that exceed industry standards. -
When an older adult needs to sell their home, they should seek out a real estate agent holding a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. In the latest episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Adam Hayes, owner of Milestones Realty, explains the benefits of engaging an agent holding the SRES distinction. He also sheds light on the challenges older adults might overlook in today's real estate market. If you are considering selling your home, this is an essential episode you won’t want to miss.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:04] Adam describes the difference between a Realtor and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist
[7:59] Adam compares a home to a family member
[9:33] Why older adults need help navigating the real estate market
[14:12] How AI can play a role in deceiving a seller
[21:50] Adam discusses knowing who the decision-maker is
[24:20] Additional ways to protect your client
[29:38] There needs to be a good relationship between the agent and the owner, and getting a qualified agent
[34:29] What Adam has learned over the years
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[20:01] Bad actors can steal items from a listed home if an agent is not careful what pictures they include in a listing
[22:12] You must find out who the decision-maker is at the onset of the listing process
[24:44] Pay special attention to the signage used on vehicles coming to the home. Those signs may alert bad actors.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Milestones Realty - Website
Milestones Realty - Facebook
Adam Hayes - LinkedIn
Adam Hayes - Twitter
BIOGRAPHY:
Adam Hayes has been a Seniors Real Estate Specialist ® since 2008 and the Broker-Owner of Milestones Realty. Founded in 2009, Milestones is a trusted resource for many Elder Law Attorneys. It occupies an unexpected space among real estate brokerages as they focus on serving and advocating for Older Adults and Special Needs Clients.
The genesis for Milestones was the unpleasant experience of rescuing my Dad from an unsafe living situation in 2001. Little did I know that my negotiating and people skills would be demanded just for the seemingly simple act of moving Dad into a Skilled Nursing Facility.
My wife and I spent three months and several thousand driving- miles dealing with concerns, repairs, clean-outs, and other assorted loose ends. Years later, I thought, I’d been in training my whole adult life for that Olympian task, and nothing truly prepared me for the energy drain of helping him.
I bring an “insider’s empathy” to the equation and meet clients where they are emotionally and physically with unwavering respect for their tolerances and abilities.
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Larry Sprung, founder of Mitlin Financial, dedicates his free time to raising awareness around mental health and suicide. He dedicated more than 12 years to serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). In this impactful episode, Larry will share why this cause is close to his heart and provide guidance on supporting a friend or loved one dealing with depression. Addressing suicide can be challenging but shouldn't be sidestepped. This episode is a valuable resource for those affected by these issues.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:10] Larry sites his own life and background as making him uniquely qualified to serve families both financially and with mental health awareness
[3:51] Larry shares his family history
[6:52] The stories of why individuals commit suicide
[9:08] Larry explains why conversations with those who struggle may save their lives
[14:10] Larry suggests a resource to listeners who have been inspired by listening to this podcast and invites people who struggle to do the “walk”
[16:45] Larry describes what brings him joy
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
With medication, it is possible to prevent suicide, and individuals can lead long and productive lives after making an attempt.
Daily self-reflection of joyful moments is good for the soul as you relive those moments.
You can be there for an individual, even by telephone, to walk people through difficulties and support them with a conversation on the phone when you can’t be present.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Family Wealth Report - Website
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Website
Mitlin Financial, Inc
BIOGRAPHY:
Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP®, is a husband, father, entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate.
In 2004, he founded Mitlin Financial, Inc., naming the firm memory of Larry’s wife’s grandfather, Mitchell, and his mother, Linda. During his career, Larry has found that many industry terms and concepts can seem confusing to outsiders. That’s why he works with the families he serves to break down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand concepts.
Larry is the author of the Amazon Bestselling book “Financial Planning Made Personal” and the host of the Mitlin Money Mindset™, a podcast that reminds you to ask yourself, “What did you do today that brought you joy?®.”
In recognition of Larry’s significant contributions to his profession, he has received several awards. In 2021, Larry was named to the Investopedia 100 Top Advisors 2021 and was even more humbled to make their Top Ten list for 2022.
Outside the office, one of Larry’s greatest passions is raising awareness for mental health. He spent over 12 years serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and sits on its financial and investment committees. With his wife, Denise, he has raised more than $1.7 million for the organization through the Keith Milano Memorial Fund. The fund was created in memory of his brother-in-law.
Larry values his family tremendously, and his desire to do right by his wife and two sons drives him in and out of the office.
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In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, we are joined by Nicholas MacPhee, an active philanthropist who has worked in nonprofits for over 20 years. First, Nick explains how he started working in the field of philanthropy with mental and behavioral health. Mental health resources and support services are needed now more than ever; Nick describes how he finds exemplary philanthropists to invest in innovative and unique companies. Tune in as Nick speaks about the importance of scale in philanthropy and why this generation is more active in philanthropic activities.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:00] How Nick started working in the field of philanthropy with mental and behavioral health.
[07:15] Resources and support services are crucially important now more than ever. Nick explains how he finds philanthropists to invest.
[13:10] Nick speaks about the importance of scale in philanthropy and reveals some of the edgier investments he's seen from large-scale foundations.
[20:00] Why this generation is more active in philanthropic activities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Americans are becoming more open about mental health, and young generations understand the importance of philanthropic activities that support mental health concerns.
Often as a philanthropist, it’s easier to donate to your local university or to local nonprofits that are using innovative approaches.
More philanthropists are always welcome in the world: bring in your expertise, bring in your curiosity, and bring in your money.
Thanks to research, you can now intervene earlier when somebody is starting to show some symptoms of mental health decline. For instance, the onset of depression may occur eight years before significant interventions are necessary.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Website
https://www.interesttoimpact.com
Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interest-to-impact/id1549724431
Twitter
https://twitter.com/interest2impact
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-macphee-interest2impact/
BIO:
Nick MacPhee has been an active philanthropist and worked in non-profits for over 20 years. A former V.P at Microsoft, he spent 20 years in the business sector. After leaving Microsoft, he helped start a mentoring program for at-risk youth, worked at two family foundations, and served on many boards. He's currently on the Boards of Eisenhower Medical Center in California and Pioneer Human Services in Washington. With his wife who is a family therapist, he co-founded the Behavioral Health Roundtable, a learning forum for philanthropists on mental health issues and solutions.
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When a patient finds out they are terminally ill, with less than six months to live, they may choose Medical Aid in Dying in certain states. In this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, Dr. Robin Plumer talks to us about what Medical Aid in Dying is and how patients decide to pursue it. Dr. Robin Plumer says her job is like “a midwife to dying.” She discusses the circumstances where it is performed and the loving environment it can create. Tune in today to learn more about how Medical Aid in Dying works and what states allow this course of action.
IN THIS EPISODE
[1:51] How did Dr. Robin Plumer’s experience in New Zealand impact her work today?
[3:37] What is Medical Aid in Dying?
[4:40] How is Medical Aid in Dying different from suicide?
[8:50] What is the partnership between Hospice and the Medical Aid in Dying doctor?
[12:19] What is the personality type of people who choose Medical Aid in Dying?
[15:56] What is Dr. Robin Plumer’s role in Medical Aid in Dying?
[18:11] Is MAID supported in the United States?
[19:51] Does insurance cover this?
[20:47] Can Medical Aid in Dying be done for those with dementia?
[22:56] How does Hospice approach the subject of Medical Aid in Dying with patients?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
For Medical Aid in Dying, the patient must self-administer the medicine. A doctor can go to the patient's home and mix the medication, but the patient has to drink it or use a syringe to administer it.
Medical Aid in Dying allows people to say goodbye to the people they love in their homes, listen to their favorite music, and pass peacefully.
It is a loving and intense environment. It’s a natural way of dying and is not highly-medicalized.RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Compassionate Endings N.J. Website
BIO:
Dr. Robin Plumer has practiced emergency medicine for over 30 years. In 2008, she went to New Zealand to live and work. She continued to work in emergency medicine, but also followed her interest in end-of-life care while working in several hospices and completing a postgraduate diploma in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the University of Auckland. In 2017, she returned to the US to help care for her father, who had Parkinson’s disease. She worked in both inpatient and community hospices in New Jersey for three years and became interested in the passage of NJ’s medical aid in dying (MAID) law. Realizing that few clinicians were participating in the law, she decided to pursue intensive study in the field and collaborated with experienced MAID clinicians in California, Washington State, and Oregon. In July 2020, she started a practice called “Compassionate Endings NJ” with a former nurse colleague who shares her passion for very personalized and comprehensive patient care. Since starting their practice, they have attended many MAID deaths, and have become proficient in managing special situations. Part of their mission is to encourage those in the medical community who wish to become involved in MAID by mentoring and teaching. -
Gary Mendell is the founder and CEO of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the addiction crisis in America. Gary’s son, Brian, tried drugs and alcohol which ultimately led to addiction. Unfortunately, Brian died of this addiction disease that affects more than 22 million Americans every day. Gary discusses the warning signs that families should look out for, when worried if their child may be using substances. Tune in to this revisited episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet as Gary talks all about Shatterproof and how they are changing the country’s consciousness around addiction.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:25] Gary shares his journey and his experience as a family with his son.
[07:20] Advice Gary gives families who are worried about their children using substances.
[16:45] How financial resources can help or hinder the process of recovering from addiction.
[21:20] Shatterproof is looking to help people with substance use disorder get the chance to find recovery.
[24:10] How the field of recovery will look in the future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Addiction is a treatable chronic illness. Every person with a substance use disorder deserves the chance to find recovery.
There were more than 93,000 fatal overdoses in 2020.
80% of people say they don’t want a friend, colleague, or neighbor with addiction. We need to reverse the shame around addiction.
Addiction is not a moral failing; you need to get the facts about this misunderstood medical condition.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Website
https://www.shatterproof.org
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ShatterproofHQ/
LinkedIn
https://linktr.ee/shatterproof
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/weareshatterproof
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShatterproofHQ
BIO:
Gary Mendell is the founder and CEO of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America. After losing his son Brian to addiction in 2011, Gary founded Shatterproof to spare other families the tragedy his had suffered. Since founding Shatterproof in 2012, Mr. Mendell has been a national leader in the addiction space creating solutions that will create more access to treatment for Opioid and Substance Use Disorders including the creation of the Shatterproof National Principles of Care to guide providers, payers, and patients to quality treatment. He advocates for state and federal policy changes, and most recently launched a national strategy and call to action to address stigma related to Opioid and Substance Use Disorders.
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Jay Bacrania, CEO and Co-Founder of Signet Education LLC, and Sheila Akbar, Signet's President and COO, are guests on this week’s revisited episode. Signet helps students and parents develop skills they will need to overcome challenges and empower students to make successful decisions in college. Jay and Sheila explain how parents can navigate engagement with their child who has difficulty with executive functioning challenges. In addition, they discuss the importance of having healthy boundaries during the college admissions process. Tune in as Jay and Sheila give their thoughts on the challenges of working with affluent families and the massive need for executive function support and structure during the pandemic.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:30] About Jay Bacrania and Sheila Akbar. They speak about the inspiration for Signet and how their vision has evolved.
[09:10] How to engage a student who is having difficulty with executive functioning challenges.
[15:50] Parents need to have healthy boundaries when it comes to the college admissions process.
[20:50] There is a tremendous rise in mental health issues during the pandemic. Executive function support and structure are needed now more than ever.
[30:00] The challenges of working with affluent families.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Students should create a habit of reflection and self-understanding that will allow them to build a foundation for academic success.
Parents should create the space for students to feel safe in exploring some solutions for their academic challenges.
Students don’t need to know what to do; instead, they need to know how to think.
Parents and students shouldn't be worried about the reputation of a college. Instead, they need to consider which college will allow students to become the person they want to become.
LINKS MENTIONED
Website
https://signeteducation.com/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SignetEducation/
BIO:
Jay Bacrania
Jay is the CEO and Co-Founder of Signet Education LLC. His passion for education began in high school and continued throughout college, during which time he ran three different tutoring and mentoring organizations. After graduating from Harvard in 2005, Jay began tutoring privately, and eventually co-founded Signet Education with a friend, with the idea that they could build a company that was focused less on jumping through hoops, and more on genuine education.
Signet Education is built on the premise that each student is on a unique educational journey. That journey is external -- doing well in school, finding the right college, and getting in; but it’s also internal -- understanding oneself better, building skills to be effective in the classroom and in life, developing a love of learning, and using education to navigate to a place in the world where one can define and build a meaningful and successful life.
Over the last 15 years, Jay and Sheila have worked together to build a world-class organization that works with students in a highly personalized way to help them define their academic path--both external and internal--and achieve their goals, setting themselves up for a successful and meaningful life.
Sheila Akbar
Sheila is Signet's President and COO and our resident admissions and test prep expert. She joined the Signet team in 2010, bringing with her a wealth of experience teaching SAT, ACT, GRE, literature, and composition in both one-on-one and classroom settings. Sheila loves both teaching and learning, and finds nothing more rewarding than working closely with students to overcome the challenges they face.
After graduating from Harvard in 2002, she spent two years working in financial services before continuing her academic career, which culminated in two doctorates. She brings her significant business and academic experience to bear on her current role at Signet, which includes managing the administrative team, speaking to every incoming client to match them with the right tutors and services, and providing educational thought leadership for the company. Sheila holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Harvard University and two doctoral degrees from Indiana University.
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If you're part of a multi-generational family business or acquainted with someone in such a situation, this episode is tailor-made for you. Cindy Adams Harrison, a seasoned performance coach, specializes in helping families navigate the complexities of succession planning and helping them achieve success. Her extensive experience, initially honed as a sports performance coach, smoothly transitions into family business planning. Cindy possesses a wealth of insight to address this vital topic and generously shares her past successes in the field.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:10] Cindy explains what a performance coach is and how it can be helpful to any athlete
[05:03] Cindy discusses intrinsic motivation versus external forces and parents who live vicariously through their child
[10:32] Cindy discusses being involved with family businesses and how her sports consulting background was relevant
[12:26] Examples of generational family succession successes.
[19:51] Cindy addresses the owner issues and the loss associated with the transition; she never uses the word retirement
[22:09] Cindy shares an example of a 5-generation family business that passed on succession correctly
[24:45] Cindy wouldn’t change a thing in her life
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The mental side of a sport is as important as the physical side.
Family members in a generational business should plan for succession long before it becomes necessary.
A successful family succession plan takes work because so many different emotions are involved.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Family Wealth Report - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Cynthia Adams Harrison, Ed. D., LICSW, is an expert performance consultant specializing in enhancing performance in business and sport. She brings her unique experience using performance metrics borrowed from sports performance and applies these powerful techniques and practices to business. She was responsible for launching The Center for Family and Privately Held Businesses at Silver Bridge Advisors, a wealth management firm. She served as Managing Director and Director of Talent Development and advisor to The Silver Bridge Institute, an educational platform for the firm. Dr. Adams Harrison was an associate consultant for Genus Resources, LLC, a highly successful family enterprise consulting firm for twelve years, specializing in enhancing business and executive performance. She works extensively with business owners, executives, and their organizations in an array of areas, including succession, corporate and family governance, balancing family dynamics and wealth preservation, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, conflict resolution, innovative business solutions, change management, and performance coaching for executives. Her clients range in revenues from $5 million to more than $1 billion, with many operating globally. Dr. Adams Harrison assists elite athletes as they transition into professional sports on sudden wealth dynamics, lifestyle management, injury and recovery, and mental training techniques necessary to achieve and maintain success at the professional level.
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Michelle Dickinson has had a challenging life but has used her experiences to become a source of inspiration and support for others dealing with bipolar disorder, depression, and victimization. Her journey from growing up with a bipolar mother to overcoming depression after a divorce is undoubtedly a testament to her resilience and determination. Michelle’s story provides a safe place for those persevering through a difficult journey.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:30] Michelle tells her story of growing up with a bipolar mother
[04:04] Michelle explains how her background informs what she does
[05:43] Michelle discusses the word resilience and the tools she uses to help clients
[09:00] She explains why her book was called Breaking Into My Life
[11:39] Michelle talks about being the victim
[14:19] Michelle advises listeners to ask questions that can help define them and put them in the right direction
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Michelle provides a safe place for people to share their deepest secrets.
If you live as a victim, you hold onto that identity and don’t move forward, and you don’t take ownership of your life.
If you approach an issue with the mindset that there is something to gain and learn from, it's easier to navigate challenges that come your way.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Michelle Dickinson - Website
Ted Talk - YouTube
Breaking Into My Life Book Trailer - YouTube
The Book: Breaking Into My Life
BIOGRAPHY:
Michelle is a Resilience Visionary, Workplace Resilience Coach, TED speaker, and bestselling author. She revolutionizes mental health by championing emotional well-being, self-reliance, and personal mastery. Through captivating storytelling and practical strategies, she empowers individuals to recognize their power and lead fulfilling lives. Michelle's influence extends to education, Fortune 500 companies, and first responders, transforming workplaces, schools, and emergency facilities into resilience incubators. She inspires a movement of resilience and challenges traditional leadership paradigms, guiding individuals to uncover their potential.
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Today, Steven Wolt is on a mission to support men dealing with sexual addiction. His life turned downward when he became ensnared by pornography, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his job. Presently, Steven is on the road to long-term recovery and has established Valor Recovery to aid other men grappling with this addiction. Engaging with a community of men who openly share their experiences has proven beneficial in helping many individuals address their feelings of shame. Steven's counsel is straightforward: Don't endure this struggle in isolation; resources are available to overcome these challenges.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:14] Steven talks about his mission to shine a light on sexual addiction and how he started on this journey
[04:05] Steven compares his sexual addiction to cocaine and how he spiraled out of control
[07:37] Steven lost his career and ultimately lost everything before he began to work on his addiction
[09:44] Admitting he used cocaine did not have the shame that his sexual addiction did
[11:10] Valor Recovery meets men where they are, and they have safety in discussing their addiction. How a husband’s watching pornography affects his wife
[14:32] Steven shares the three parts of how he reached recovery
[17:33] The worst thing that happened to Steven was the best thing that happened to him
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Watching porn can be habit-forming.
When the Internet became available in the privacy of one’s home, watching pornography was easy, and sexual addiction became pervasive.
There is help available for men who want help with this issue.
RESOURCES:
Beyond the Balance Sheet Website
Valor Recovery Coaching
BIOGRAPHY:
Steven Wolt is an influential healthcare entrepreneur with a passion for breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and improving behavioral health outcomes. He is a leader with the superpowers of vulnerability and courage and inspires others with his mental health journey.
In July of 2023, Steven founded Valor Recovery, a specialized recovery coaching program for men to overcome compulsive sexual behaviors, porn abuse, and intimacy issues. Valor Recovery is a peer-based recovery support system that significantly improves outcomes and enhances the effectiveness of clinical care and treatment. Valor Recovery certified and credentialed coaches are in long-term sexual recovery. The strength and uniqueness of this program are these shared life experiences that help to create psychological safety, empathy, and meaningful connection that significantly enhance the client's recovery journey.
In 2017, Steven founded Veritus, the nation's first telehealth intensive outpatient program for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health. Veritus had a program specifically for licensed healthcare professionals, primarily physicians and nurses, and another program specifically for lawyers and judges. From an idea of a piece of paper long before COVID, to partnering with one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious treatment providers, Freedom Institute, Veritus helped to eliminate the barriers many licensed professionals experience from getting the help they need.
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