4:12 Connections

Heather N. Croas
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semimonthly

4:12 Connections is a podcast dedicated to open, authentic conversations about mental health and recovery. Through powerful stories and shared experiences, we explore how community helps us heal and grow. 📩 For more info about The Green Phoenix, contact Heather Croas at: recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

  1. 2d ago

    Art, Imperfection, and the Stories We Tell: A Conversation with David Clarke

    In this episode of 412 Connections, Heather talks with artist and entrepreneur David Clarke about creativity, photography, and the realities of pursuing a passion-driven life. They explore burnout, perfectionism, and why failure is a necessary part of growth—for artists and business owners alike. This conversation dives into storytelling through art, overcoming creative blocks, and learning to let go of the need to be perfect. If you're navigating self-doubt, creative struggles, or building your own path, this episode offers insight, honesty, and encouragement to keep creating. 🔗 Learn more about David: For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

  2. Jul 8

    Community, Courage, and Showing Up: A Conversation with Michelle Garland

    Heather talks with Michelle Garland about community, courage, and showing up during life’s hardest moments. Michelle shares her breast cancer journey, survivorship, and the emotional impact of serious illness, along with the friendships and support that carried her through. A thoughtful conversation about identity beyond diagnosis and the power of simply being present. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

  3. Jun 24

    Flavor, Comfort, and Connection: A Conversation with Evan Summers

    Heather sits down with Evan Summers, founder of Now Schmear This, to explore the connection between food, comfort, mental health, and relationship. From aromatherapy to flavor science, Evan challenges one-size-fits-all wellness culture, quick fixes, and shame around comfort. A thoughtful conversation about balance, individuality, and why relationship matters more than perfection. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

  4. Jun 10

    Suicide Awareness, Stigma, and Peer Support: A Deep Conversation with Jennifer Greenberg

    In this powerful episode, Heather talks with Jennifer Greenberg, suicide loss survivor and owner of Green Dragon Marketing, about suicide awareness, mental health stigma, and lived experience. Jennifer shares her story of losing her husband to suicide, navigating grief as a parent, and the importance of peer support, shared stories, and compassion. This honest conversation challenges misconceptions about suicide and reminds listeners they are not alone. Content note: This episode discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and loss. Listener discretion advised. 🔗 Learn more about Jennifer:email: jennifer@greendragonmarketing.com phone: 770-634-4855 For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

  5. May 27

    Words Are Hard Live 2026: Identity, Struggle, and Hope

    What do you do when words are hard? This episode is the audio recording from the 5th Annual Words Are Hard event, held on May 9, 2026. Artists, writers, and community members came together to share deeply personal experiences through poetry, visual art, and storytelling. The event moves through three connected themes: IdentityFighting the DarknessFinding Hope Each speaker brings their own perspective, sharing what it means to lose your sense of self, sit in difficult moments, and slowly find a way forward. You will hear stories about: learning how to express what feels impossible to sayusing art as an outlet when words fall shortliving with mental health challenges and navigating recoveryfinding connection in a space where honesty is welcome This was not just a performance. It was a room full of real people choosing to be seen and heard, sometimes for the first time. If you have ever struggled to explain how you feel, this episode is for you. If something in this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it too. What part of this episode stayed with you? This podcast episode is audio only. The full video from the event is available on YouTube if you want to experience the artwork and live moments as they happened. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

    Words Are Hard Live 2026: Identity, Struggle, and Hope

  6. May 13

    Safe Spaces Save Lives: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health with Astrid Ross

    In this episode, Heather Croas sits down with Astrid Ross, Georgia Senate candidate, certified peer specialist, and founder of the Mental Health Support Network. Astrid opens up about her experiences as a suicide loss survivor, a mother of five, and a longtime mental health advocate, sharing how trauma, anxiety, and depression have shaped her work. Astrid’s nonprofit provides free mental health resources, community education, and advocacy, aiming to normalize conversations about behavioral health and create safe spaces where people can seek support without stigma. She discusses practical ways to support mental wellness, break cycles of trauma, and build compassionate communities that prioritize connection and prevention. This conversation goes beyond inspirational talk, diving into the realities of behavioral health, the importance of peer support, and why safe spaces can literally save lives. Tune in to hear honest, real-world insights on mental health awareness, advocacy, and the everyday work of building networks that make a difference. Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or simply interested in mental wellness, this episode offers perspective, practical guidance, and a candid look at what it takes to support yourself and others through life’s hardest moments. 🔗 Learn more about Astrid For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

  7. Apr 22

    Smiling Through the Hard Days: Akella Clore on Hope, Healing, and Helping Others

    In this episode, we sit down with community mentor and advocate Akella Clore to talk about foster care, creativity, connection, and what it really looks like to support others while carrying your own challenges. Akella shares her journey as a mother of nine, a former foster parent, and the founder of Colorful Creations, a program built around confidence, art, and youth empowerment. We explore her passion for working with teens, the emotional realities of caregiving, and the quiet strength behind the smile she’s known for. The conversation opens up into emotional masking, burnout, the importance of healthy boundaries, and why community plays such a vital role in recovery. Akella also reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the kids who changed her life, and how creativity helps young people find their voice. This is a warm and honest discussion about resilience, belonging, and the power of showing up for one another through both the easy and the messy parts of life. It’s a reminder that healing grows stronger in community. 🔗 Learn more about Akella or your contact via emailFor more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

  8. Apr 8

    From Awkward to Authentic

    In this episode, we talk with professional networker Sara Branch about connection, community, and why networking is far more than business cards and elevator pitches. Sara shares her transition from corporate life to building a networking franchise and developing her own curriculum to help business owners connect with clarity and confidence. We explore social awkwardness, storytelling, mindset shifts, and why structure can create freedom for both introverts and extroverts. The conversation moves beyond business into belonging, examining how face-to-face interaction builds trust, why community matters for mental health, and how learning to relate to others is truly a life skill. This is an honest discussion about reframing networking from transaction to relationship and rediscovering the power of authentic connection. 🔗 Learn more about Sara and Branch Consulting Group or connect with her on LinkedIN For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

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About

4:12 Connections is a podcast dedicated to open, authentic conversations about mental health and recovery. Through powerful stories and shared experiences, we explore how community helps us heal and grow. 📩 For more info about The Green Phoenix, contact Heather Croas at: recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Heather N. Croas
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Heather N. Croas
  • Show Website
    4:12 Connections