A Mental Health Break

Vincent A. Lanci (Host) and Coming Alive Podcast Production (Producer at 813 445 3295)

A Mental Health Break is a Top 5% globally ranked mental health podcast for honest conversations about anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, relationships, recovery, and the everyday challenges of being human. Hosted by traumatic brain injury survivor, three-time mental health author, and advocate Vincent A. Lanci, this weekly podcast brings you direct, meaningful conversations with mental health professionals, advocates, authors, survivors, and people willing to share the real stories behind their healing. Every episode is designed to remind you of one important truth: you are not alone. Since 2020, Vincent has created a supportive space where mental health is discussed with compassion, curiosity, and no judgment. In concise, value-packed episodes—typically under 30 minutes—you will hear practical perspectives on anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma recovery, addiction and substance use, ADHD, autism, OCD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, grief, divorce, codependency, workplace mental health, emotional regulation, therapy, mindfulness, self-care, and life after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Whether you are living with a mental health condition, supporting someone you love, working through a difficult season, or simply looking for tools to strengthen your emotional well-being, A Mental Health Break offers stories, encouragement, and practical guidance for moving forward. Expect real conversations about therapy, recovery, coping skills, resilience, mental health stigma, relationships, boundaries, healing from old and new trauma, and finding hope after adversity. Vincent combines lived experience with the wisdom of clinicians, researchers, caregivers, advocates, and guests who have faced life-changing challenges. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for clear, compassionate mental health conversations that get to the point—because your time matters, your story matters, and you do not have to carry it alone.

  1. 1d ago

    Bullying, Mental Health, and the Support Every Family Needs

    In this episode, Thomas Dahlborg shares his inspiring journey through mental health challenges, the impact of bullying on his family, and practical advice for fostering compassion and resilience. Discover how community, role modeling, and expert guidance can transform adversity into purpose. “Find that person in your life that is providing that compassion, that kindness, that love… and then going back to the role modeling, be a Mike as well. Be a Mike for others.” Follow Along as You Join Our Conversation: 00:00 Introduction and overview of the family's mental health journey 02:37 The power of community and shared love in healing 04:09 Tom shares his son's experience with childhood bullying and mental health 06:25 How Tom and his family coped and found support 09:10 Lessons learned from ineffective anti-bullying policies 12:42 The importance of role models and external guidance 14:09 Practical advice for parents dealing with bullying 16:32 Personal interests and maintaining mental health through hobbies 17:03 Simple actions to improve mental health today 19:49 The impact of compassion and authentic relationships / communication 22:26 Connecting with Tom and final thoughts "Defer to the experts and learn from them" More Key Areas: *How to foster compassion and resilience *Advice for those at low points in mental health *Impact of bullying on children and adults *Importance of expert guidance and evidence-based practices *Lessons learned from addressing bullying *Strategies for parents and caregivers Our guest has a son who is also a ROCKSTAR mental health advocate. Be sure to meet Tom from his show with us in 2020 here! Support the show Please share with a friend who could use this episode. All questions for the host or guests: Email PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com. Show Partner: Living Proof TBI Coaching - 813 445 3295

  2. Sep 20

    Fatherhood + Marine Officer's Method for Turning Anxiety Into Strength

    In this episode, Mike LeBlanc shares his inspiring journey from childhood struggles with anxiety to becoming a Marine officer, successful entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Discover practical strategies for managing mental health, the power of anger as a tool, and insights on parenting and personal growth. “A lot of the times, the things that I’m stressed about is because I don’t have a plan for them. I don’t know how I’m going to do things.” Key Topics 🧠Childhood anxiety and overcoming fear 🧠Practicing gradual exposure to fears 🧠Daily mental health routines for entrepreneurs and parents 🧠The role of anger in personal development 🧠The importance of planning and organization for stress management 🧠Parenting with assertiveness and honesty 🧠The concept of freedom from desires and cravings 🧠Writing a book while managing a business and family 🧠Lessons from Greek philosophy on emotions 🧠Future projects and ongoing personal growth “When people think about freedom, they think I’m free to eat what I want, watch what I want, do what I want, but you really become captive to your desires in those times.” Chapters 00:00 Childhood fears and early struggles 02:05 Overcoming childhood anxiety and fears 05:32 Daily routines for mental health 07:11 Handling stress through planning and organization 08:15 Parenting with honesty and assertiveness 09:20 Reframing anger as a tool for growth 11:34 The pursuit of freedom from desires 12:03 Dreams of childhood and writing a book 14:07 Advice to young self and kids 15:47 Looking ahead: family and robotics projects Support the show Please share with a friend who could use this episode. All questions for the host or guests: Email PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com. Show Partner: Living Proof TBI Coaching - 813 445 3295

  3. Sep 13

    How One Cheer Tryout Changed Everything About Self-Belief

    In this episode, Vincent A. Lanci brings back Nicole Zapoli to discuss her journey through fitness, mental health, and personal growth. They explore how physical activity like CrossFit and cheerleading can boost resilience and mental well-being, along with insights on overcoming stereotypes and supporting community. Also, how the power of community at a young age has left her with lifelong lessons.  "Just do the next thing and keep moving forward" Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:15 Nicole's dedication to personal growth and fitness 04:28 Following passions from childhood to adulthood 06:34 Early sports experiences and mental health challenges 09:12 Cultural differences in cheerleading and body image 12:17 The impact of mentorship and community in sports 14:01 Experiencing stereotypes and opening the mind 15:24 Upcoming book and community event in California 16:21 Words of encouragement for those struggling 17:44 Closing remarks and gratitude "The one thing that has really allowed me to continue to grow and build overall resilience in pretty much every area of my life." More Key Takeaways: *The mental health benefits of CrossFit, cheerleading, and physical activity *Nicole's experience training at the US Olympic Training Center *Early sports experiences can shape confidence and body image. *Experiencing new activities *Consistent action and small steps help overcome mental barriers. Missed her first episode? No worries! We have you covered. After the show, follow her inspirational path by listening to her first show here. Support the show Please share with a friend who could use this episode. All questions for the host or guests: Email PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com. Show Partner: Living Proof TBI Coaching - 813 445 3295

5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

A Mental Health Break is a Top 5% globally ranked mental health podcast for honest conversations about anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, relationships, recovery, and the everyday challenges of being human. Hosted by traumatic brain injury survivor, three-time mental health author, and advocate Vincent A. Lanci, this weekly podcast brings you direct, meaningful conversations with mental health professionals, advocates, authors, survivors, and people willing to share the real stories behind their healing. Every episode is designed to remind you of one important truth: you are not alone. Since 2020, Vincent has created a supportive space where mental health is discussed with compassion, curiosity, and no judgment. In concise, value-packed episodes—typically under 30 minutes—you will hear practical perspectives on anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma recovery, addiction and substance use, ADHD, autism, OCD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, grief, divorce, codependency, workplace mental health, emotional regulation, therapy, mindfulness, self-care, and life after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Whether you are living with a mental health condition, supporting someone you love, working through a difficult season, or simply looking for tools to strengthen your emotional well-being, A Mental Health Break offers stories, encouragement, and practical guidance for moving forward. Expect real conversations about therapy, recovery, coping skills, resilience, mental health stigma, relationships, boundaries, healing from old and new trauma, and finding hope after adversity. Vincent combines lived experience with the wisdom of clinicians, researchers, caregivers, advocates, and guests who have faced life-changing challenges. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for clear, compassionate mental health conversations that get to the point—because your time matters, your story matters, and you do not have to carry it alone.