Beyond the Checkbox

Dr. Ryan Todd
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • MONTHLY

Beyond the Checkbox is a workplace podcast hosted by Dr. Ryan Todd, a clinical psychiatrist, award-winning filmmaker, and founder/CEO of mental health tech startup, headversity. The goal of the show is to help listeners future-proof their organizations through stories of innovation and progressive leadership that champion mental health at work, where they’ve gone above and beyond checking the box. This is accomplished through Dr. Todd diving into hard-hitting topics of mental wellbeing in the workplace with some of the world’s top business leaders, executives, and technologists that are leading exemplary initiatives.

  1. AI, Empathy, and the Future of HR | #73 ft. Alysha Campbell

    4 JUL

    AI, Empathy, and the Future of HR | #73 ft. Alysha Campbell

    Thriving workplaces aren’t built by accident. They’re designed—with empathy, strategy, and a little help from AI. Alysha M. Campbell breaks down what HR leaders must do now to create culture that actually works. --- What does it take to create a workplace where people actually want to show up? Guest host Jason Gotwalt sits down with culture strategist and founder of Culture Shift HR, Alysha M. Campbell, to unpack the evolving dynamics of work—from AI integration to the mental health must-haves shaping tomorrow’s teams. Watch this episode to find out: Why gratitude is fuelHow AI is changing HR What psychological safety really looks like in actionThe link between retention and real leadershipHow to spot a thriving culture before it burns outAlysha brings fresh perspective on what’s driving the future of work, how to lead with intention, and what it means to build a business that puts people first while fostering performance. Guest Speaker  Alysha M. Campbell is an award-winning HR strategist and Founder & CEO of CultureShift HR, where she champions inclusive, AI-informed people strategies that drive lasting culture change. Named IAOTP’s HR Compliance Leader of the Year and inducted into The BOW Collective, Alysha has led workforce transformations across industries. She also hosts Confessions of a Founder, a podcast sharing the stories behind entrepreneurship, and a contributing author in the best-selling Building Beyond the 9–5. With a decade of impact, she’s redefining compliance as a tool for trust, equity, and growth.  Podcast Host  With a decade working at the forefront of the health tech space, Jason Gotwalt is currently the SVP, Growth and Partnerships, at Headversity. He is also a MacKay CEO Forum speaker, sales trainer, private investor, and, in a past life, a professional Baseball player. Self-described as a creative connector, health-tech fanatic, servant leader, rad dad (of three daughters) and curious George, he’s built a career off failing forward and learning how to collaborate well. 👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    39 min
  2. Managing up with assertiveness and empathy | #72 ft. Melody Wilding

    20 JUN

    Managing up with assertiveness and empathy | #72 ft. Melody Wilding

    Award-winning exec coach, Melody Wilding, shares how to manage your boss, plus how high performers can improve communication to better navigate work dynamics. --- What does it really take to communicate with confidence when you're not the one in charge?  In this episode, guest host Jason Gotwalt sits down with Melody Wilding, executive coach and author, to unpack the underestimated skill of managing up. Drawing from her background in human behavior, Melody explains why assertive communication, psychological safety, and leadership communication skills are more essential than ever.  Watch this episode to find out:  Why managing up is the most important skill nobody teaches Melody’s framework of 10 critical conversations from her latest book How to speak truth to people in power without damaging relationships What the “question behavior effect” can do for difficult conversations How leaders can create psychological safety and reduce ambiguity Why feedback, boundaries, and alignment are foundational to workplace wellbeing Packed with insights and real-world examples, this episode helps reframe leadership communication skills as everyone’s responsibility—not just those at the top.  Guest Speaker  Melody Wilding is the author of two books, including Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge. For over a decade, she’s helped thoughtful top performers at the world’s most successful companies get the recognition, respect, and pay they deserve. She's a licensed social worker with a master’s degree from Columbia University, professor of human behavior at Hunter College in New York City, and former emotions researcher at Rutgers University.   Podcast Guest Host  With a decade working at the forefront of the health tech space, Jason Gotwalt is currently the SVP, Growth and Partnerships, at Headversity. He is also a MacKay CEO Forum speaker, sales trainer, private investor, and, in a past life, a professional Baseball player. Self-described as a creative connector, health-tech fanatic, servant leader, rad dad (of three daughters) and curious George, he’s built a career off failing forward and learning how to collaborate well. 👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    40 min
  3. Finding humor in illness: Humanizing the patient experience | #71 ft. Jeremie Saunders

    6 JUN

    Finding humor in illness: Humanizing the patient experience | #71 ft. Jeremie Saunders

    A raw, funny take on illness, identity, and death. Jeremie Saunders shares how humor reshapes the patient experience and breaks stigma in healthcare.  --- What does it mean to really see the person behind the diagnosis?   Host Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Sickboy podcast producer Jeremie Saunders for a raw and deeply human conversation about illness, identity, and the power of humor.  Watch this episode to find out:  Why Jeremie created a comedy podcast about illness How the Sickboy podcast is helping reshape the patient experience How humor can ease tough conversations about death and disability What living with cystic fibrosis taught him about healthcare communication and legacy How comedy and mental health are more connected than you think What happens when your life expectancy changes overnight This episode explores illness narratives with honesty and wit. It helps break down stigma while spotlighting the catharsis of talking—and laughing—about the hard stuff.  Guest Speaker  Jeremie Saunders is a keynote speaker and resilience advocate using the power of storytelling to shift conversations around health and human connection. He is the COO at Snack Labs, an award-winning audio production company. Jeremie is also the creator and co-host of the acclaimed podcast Sickboy, which brings humor and humanity to the experience of living with illness.   Podcast Host  Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of Headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    44 min
  4. Mental Health AI Doesn't Replace Therapists—It Helps Them | #70 ft. Tanuj Sharma

    23 MAY

    Mental Health AI Doesn't Replace Therapists—It Helps Them | #70 ft. Tanuj Sharma

    Explore how mental health AI supports personalized therapy, eases clinician burnout, and enhances care through human-centered, ethical technology.  --- Can artificial intelligence (AI) make therapy more human?  This episode with Tanuj Sharma, CEO of Kana Health, explores how mental health AI is reshaping care. Far from replacing therapists, this new generation of human-centered AI tools is helping clinicians personalize treatment, improve outcomes, and stay focused on the human connection.  Watch this episode to find out:  How mental health AI supports therapists without replacing them Why clinical decision support can ease therapist burnout and improve care How AI helps tailor therapy through personalized treatment insights The complexity of therapy and how AI can help manage it How humans stay in the loop to keep mental health AI ethical and effective This episode breaks down what mental health technology can and can’t do, and why the future of personalized therapy is more collaborative than you might think.  Guest Speaker  Tanuj Sharma is the co-founder and CEO of a mental health AI startup revolutionizing access to care by combining technology with therapeutic frameworks. With 23 years of global experience building and scaling businesses, he now leads Kana, an AI-powered therapy sidekick delivering rapid triage, clinical insights, and automated care. Tanuj is on a mission to make mental health care affordable, accessible, and effective for all.  Podcast Host  Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    29 min
  5. The 6 Pillars of Resilience: Beyond Burnout Prevention | #69 ft. Dr. Eva Selhub

    9 MAY

    The 6 Pillars of Resilience: Beyond Burnout Prevention | #69 ft. Dr. Eva Selhub

    Discover Dr. Selhub’s six resilience factors and why modern workplaces must build a culture of care, not just react to burnout.  --- Resilience isn’t a trait you’re born with—it’s a skill you build over time.  In this episode, Dr. Eva Selhub, physician and resilience expert, shares her six pillars of resilience and why it’s time to reframe how we think about burnout and workplace wellbeing.  Watch this episode to learn:  Why burnout and resilience aren’t separate—they’re on the same spectrum How emotional and spiritual health influence resilience The six key pillars that form the foundation of a resilient life Why cultures of care—not just individual grit—matter in the workplace How parenting styles, nature, and language shape resilience early on This episode breaks down how to build resilience, challenges outdated workplace mental health approaches, and offers a fresh, whole-person view on what it really means to thrive.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: headversity on LinkedIn   Guest Speaker  Dr. Eva Selhub is a physician, executive coach, and resilience expert blending evidence-based and holistic approaches to drive change. A former Harvard Medical School Instructor and Senior Physician at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Benson Henry Institute, she now supports executive teams in building high-performing, resilient leadership and organizations. Dr. Selhub’s work has been published in medical journals and featured in major outlets including The New York Times and the Dr. Oz Show.  Podcast Host  Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    40 min
  6. CBT for Insomnia: The Gold Standard for Better Sleep | #68 ft. Dr. Payman Hajiazim

    25 APR

    CBT for Insomnia: The Gold Standard for Better Sleep | #68 ft. Dr. Payman Hajiazim

    Explore how modern life fuels chronic insomnia and why experts recommend CBT for insomnia, sleep restriction, and light therapy to restore restful sleep.  --- Struggling to fall or stay asleep? You’re not alone. Chronic insomnia is on the rise, and the effects go far beyond tired mornings.  Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Dr. Payman Hajiazimd, a psychiatrist specializing in sleep and mental health, to explore why sleep issues have become so common—and what truly helps. From cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep to light therapy and sleep restriction, this episode dives into science-backed strategies for reclaiming restful sleep.  Watch this episode to find out:  Why chronic insomnia is more widespread than ever How sleep affects mental health, and vice-versa What CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is and how it works How sleep restriction therapy improves sleep efficiency The role of light exposure and behavioral change in better sleep This episode unpacks the core components of CBT-I and how better sleep can support improved mental health.  Guest Speaker  Dr. Payman Hajiazim is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine at the University of Calgary, a certified Somnologist, and the founder of the Sleep & Wake Clinic. Recognized as an expert in sleep disorders and overlapping mental health conditions, he leads research on new treatments for insomnia, narcolepsy, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Dr. Hajiazim is dedicated to advancing evidence-based sleep medicine through patient care, research, and education.  Podcast Host  Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    28 min
  7. CBT for Anxiety & Depression: Does It Really Work? | #67 ft. Dr. Keith Dobson

    11 APR

    CBT for Anxiety & Depression: Does It Really Work? | #67 ft. Dr. Keith Dobson

    A leading researcher explores how cognitive behavioral therapy helps anxiety and depression. Learn the science behind CBT techniques and the role of AI therapy. --- Can changing the way we think actually change the way we feel? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been transforming mental health treatment for decades, but how does it really work—and is it still the best approach today?  In this episode of Beyond the Checkbox: Mind Masters, Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Dr. Keith Dobson, a leading expert in CBT for depression and anxiety. They break down the science behind this powerful therapy, why CBT remains a top choice for mental health treatment, and the role of AI in mental health as therapy continues to evolve.  Watch this episode to find out:  The science behind how CBT works and why it’s so effective The key differences in CBT for anxiety vs. depression How CBT techniques help people change thought patterns and behaviors AI therapy: Can chatbots really replace therapists? How CBT is evolving, from global expansion to digital intervention This episode challenges the way we think about mental health treatment and dives into the future of therapy and AI in mental health.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: headversity on LinkedIn   Guest Speaker  Dr. Keith Dobson is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary and a leading expert in CBT and depression treatment. His research focuses on evidence-based mental health treatments and reducing stigma in the workplace. A fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada, he has authored 17 books and over 300 publications, helping to advance the future of mental health care.  Podcast Host  Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    37 min
  8. Burnout Is a Spectrum—Why Do We Treat It Like a Switch? | #66 ft. Dr. Mary Preisman

    28 MAR

    Burnout Is a Spectrum—Why Do We Treat It Like a Switch? | #66 ft. Dr. Mary Preisman

    Burnout isn’t all or nothing. Dr. Mary Preisman sheds light on the signs, how to prevent burnout, and work-life balance strategies that work.  Dr. Mary Preisman, a psychiatrist focused on mental health and resilience in high-stress professions, uncovers what’s really driving burnout today and how we can move beyond band-aid solutions.  Burnout is everywhere, but are we addressing it the right way?  Watch this episode to find out:  The signs of burnout and how to recognize them before it’s too late Burnout vs. depression: why burnout is a spectrum, not an on/off switch Why burnout isn’t just about work—it’s about doing too much in life How to prevent burnout without just adding more self-care Why modern work expectations fuel burnout—and what needs to change This episode challenges burnout culture, explores the real structural causes of burnout, and provides practical burnout prevention strategies for employees, leaders, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life.  Guest Speaker  Dr. Mary Preisman is the Physician Lead for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Sinai Health and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. Her clinical focus is physician and healthcare worker mental health, as well as critical care and perinatal psychiatry. She leads research on resilience coaching for healthcare workers, with a passion for leadership, education, and work-life integration.  Podcast Host  Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.  👉 Connect for the latest insights directly in your feed: Headversity on LinkedIn

    38 min
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About

Beyond the Checkbox is a workplace podcast hosted by Dr. Ryan Todd, a clinical psychiatrist, award-winning filmmaker, and founder/CEO of mental health tech startup, headversity. The goal of the show is to help listeners future-proof their organizations through stories of innovation and progressive leadership that champion mental health at work, where they’ve gone above and beyond checking the box. This is accomplished through Dr. Todd diving into hard-hitting topics of mental wellbeing in the workplace with some of the world’s top business leaders, executives, and technologists that are leading exemplary initiatives.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Ryan Todd
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Beyond the Checkbox
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Checkbox