Five Building Blocks of Recovery®

Jared Bendifallah
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Five Building Blocks of Recovery is a mental health podcast for people in recovery from one or more mental health conditions, their friends and family, and those in the mental health field who are providing support and treatment. The podcast will be partly educational and partly conversational; some episodes will focus on one or more aspects of each of the Five Building Blocks, while others will consist of interviews with people in recovery or people with expertise on one or more building blocks. Ultimately the goal is to leave you with simple ideas and action steps for your mental health recovery journey or for someone you care about. New episodes typically come out every two weeks on Sunday afternoons at 3PM, Pacific Time. Peer support group facilitator, peer support specialist, and professional mental health speaker Jared Bendifallah talks about mental health through the lens of his Five Building Blocks of Recovery which can provide a roadmap for recovery – a simple yet profound framework -- for those living with a mental health condition (and inspiration for their loved ones). Remember, recovery is possible, and hope is real 😊 Disclaimer: The insights and offerings shared by guests reflect their own views and experiences. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, clinical, or medical advice. Always use your own judgment when considering any services, programs, or resources mentioned. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

  1. SEP 28

    The Missing Elements to the Mental Health Treatment Model with Adam Sholder

    It is no secret that the current mental health treatment model, is, to put nicely, flawed and incomplete.  In this week’s episode I talk with Adam Sholder, mental health advocate and founder of Insight Enrichment Group, a mental health coaching and consulting company, about the missing elements to the standard mental health treatment model. In this episode we talk about: Adam’s personal and family history with mental health strugglesThe power of creative community in recovery (A Gap in the Forest)The importance of staying present in life and trusting the processThe concepts of “social prescribing” and “link workers” as key elements of recoveryJoin us for this illuminating discussion that reimagines mental health support as a holistic ecosystem where therapy, medication, creative expression, and community connection work together to nurture lasting recovery. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Adam's insights offer practical wisdom for moving forward with purpose and hope. Links to Insight Enrichment Group and A Gap in the Forest: https://www.insightenrichment.com/ https://www.agapintheforest.org/ *suicide was briefly mentioned in the episode *AI was used to help with the creation of the episode title and description Disclaimer: Guest views and offerings are their own. Any links, resources, or services mentioned are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Please use your own judgment when exploring or purchasing anything. We appreciate our guests for sharing their insights and experiences. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    56 min

  2. SEP 14

    How to Thrive as a Student with a Mental Health Condition with Ryder Davis

    Let’s face it; being a college student can be one of the most fulfilling but also the most stressful periods of a young person’s life. Having to balance both academic and social pressures while being away from home for the first time and working towards a degree comes with its own set of challenges for anyone, not to mention those living with a mental health condition. In this week’s episode, I interview Ryder Davis, mental health advocate and NAMI Westside Los Angeles “Ending the Silence” presenter, about his experiences as a college student at Boston University while living with bipolar disorder. Ryder and I discuss the following topics: (1) strategies for optimum self-care as a college student (2) building community in college (3) tips for academic success while being in recovery (4) what it means to choose “the path of least resistance” as a college student Whether you're a student in recovery, a parent supporting one, or someone interested in mental health advocacy, this episode offers both practical tools and the reassurance that academic success and recovery can beautifully coexist. You don’t want to miss it! *AI was used to help with the creation of the episode title and description Disclaimer: Guest views and offerings are their own. Any links, resources, or services mentioned are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Please use your own judgment when exploring or purchasing anything. We appreciate our guests for sharing their insights and experiences. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    47 min

  3. AUG 31

    Oshri Hakak’s Mental Health Journey - How to Transform Your Deepest Wounds into Sources of Meaning and Connection

    A surprising dream following tragedy becomes a guiding light for an artist's life mission. After losing his Boy Scout leader to suicide at 16, Oshri Hakak dreamed of a document meant to cure all human illnesses—only to find its pages blank except for one word: "music." This mystical experience launched Oshri's commitment to creative expression as a healing force, a path that gained even deeper meaning when he later lost his brother to heart failure during a period of severe depression. Today, Oshri channels these profound experiences into children's books addressing mental health and mindfulness, daily art practices that process his emotions, music, and advocacy work with NAMI's Ending the Silence program. In this deeply moving conversation, he reveals how these practices embody essential recovery principles—from maintaining consistent self-care routines (Building Block #2) to trusting the incremental nature of healing (Building Block #3).  What emerges is a philosophy both practical and profound: "These experiences don't define us, they refine us." Oshri's story demonstrates how creativity, persistence, and compassion can transform our deepest wounds into sources of meaning and connection. Whether you're navigating your own recovery journey or supporting someone else's, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on finding purpose through life's most challenging moments (Building Block #5).  You can learn more about Oshri and his children's books at his website below! https://www.butterflyonbooks.com *heads up, my mic is a bit loud this time around, but the content is still gold! *trigger warning we do talk about suicide *AI was used to help with the episode title and description Disclaimer: Guest views and offerings are their own. Any links, resources, or services mentioned are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Please use your own judgment when exploring or purchasing anything. We appreciate our guests for sharing their insights and experiences. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    51 min

  4. AUG 17

    Season 2 – How to Survive a Crisis and Protect Your Mental Health

    After a prolonged absence since December 2024, I'm returning to the podcast following the devastating fires in Los Angeles County that destroyed my home and neighborhood in early January 2025. I share how I've used the Five Building Blocks of Recovery to navigate through one of the most difficult periods of my life and how you can use the building blocks to take care of your mental health in the midst of/after a crisis or trauma. In this episode I cover: • Creating structure and normalcy in the midst/after a crisis • Leaning on support from community • Maintaining connections with friends and support systems • Trusting that things will eventually work out • Using self-care practices daily • Implementing coping strategies for extremely high stress If you've been impacted by a crisis or trauma, know it's not your fault and there is hope that you will be okay with time. Please seek help if needed – you don't have to face this alone. *AI was used to help with the title and description of the episode For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    14 min

  5. 12/29/2024

    Finding Stability and Connection Through Structure - Lessons Learned on the Path to Mental Health Recovery

    What role does structure play in mental health recovery, and could it be the missing piece in your journey to well-being? This episode explores the transformative power of adding structure to your life (Building Block #1), drawing from my own "dark years" when the absence of grounding activities led to a mental health crisis. Through attending community college classes and participating in NAMI support groups, I discovered that even simple, consistent commitments can act as a lifeline, providing both stability and a newfound sense of connection with others.   I explore how engaging in various activities, such as work, school, volunteering, or attending support groups, can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. The discussion underscores the importance of incorporating structure as a foundational element of recovery, offering a 'reset' in daily life that fosters balance and accomplishment. Listeners are encouraged to assess their own lives and consider adding structured activities to support their path to recovery and overall well-being. *AI was used to create the episode title and description For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    25 min

  6. 12/15/2024

    Debbie Brazil's Story of Advocacy and Acceptance - What You Really Need to Know About Recovery from a Mental Health Condition

    Imagine growing up in a household shadowed by bipolar disorder, only to find yourself struggling with your own mental health challenges as a teenager. That was Debbie Brazil's reality, and she's here to share her deeply personal story of overcoming panic and anxiety disorders and agoraphobia.  Her experiences as a mother with children living with mental health conditions, and her mission to normalize mental health conversations and fight the stigma, offer invaluable insights for anyone affected by mental health struggles. Debbie and I talk about mental health through the lens of Building Block #3 (trusting the process of recovery) and Building Block #4 (finding your community). Specifically, we discuss the importance of managing expectations along the mental health recovery journey for oneself and for loved ones, the fallacy of ever being fully healed, and what to look for in community. Finally, the episode ends with Debbie sharing her hopes for the future related to mental health for herself, her family, and the world at large. You don't want to miss it! *Debbie can be followed through her Instagram account at fiercely_hopeful *AI was used to help with the creation of the episode title and description Disclaimer: Guest views and offerings are their own. Any links, resources, or services mentioned are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Please use your own judgment when exploring or purchasing anything. We appreciate our guests for sharing their insights and experiences. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    38 min

  7. 12/01/2024

    Francesca Reicherter’s Journey from Cheerleading Pressure to Mental Health Advocate – Breaking the Stigma around Mental Health

    Francesca Reicherter shares a deeply personal journey from the pressures of competitive cheerleading to becoming a beacon of hope in mental health advocacy. Her story lays bare the impact of media, social media, and societal pressures on self-worth, and how writing and podcasting became her refuge and platform for change and breaking the stigma. We explore how her struggles led to the founding of multiple different entities and projects, such as: “Inspiring My Generation” -- a nonprofit on a mission of suicide prevention“Normalize the Conversation” -- a podcast which amplifies diverse voices in mental health“Gracefully Chaotic” -- an online community for mental empowermentFurthermore, her insights on self-care practices (Building Block #2) and meaningful relationships (Building Block #4) paint a powerful picture of resilience and community as cornerstones of mental health recovery. Francesca's journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the pursuit of meaningful education and support systems. To learn more about Francesca and to get in touch with her, check out her websites and her podcast:   francescareicherter.com inspiringmygeneration.org open.spotify.com/show/4jRxkfg2SjvzkCidaUG3ho *Francesca's story about her mental health journey in the beginning of the episode went longer than expected, but it was incredibly inspiring! *trigger warning we do talk about suicide *AI was used to help with the creation of the episode title and the episode description Disclaimer: Guest views and offerings are their own. Any links, resources, or services mentioned are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Please use your own judgment when exploring or purchasing anything. We appreciate our guests for sharing their insights and experiences. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    47 min

  8. 10/06/2024

    Trusting the Process of Recovery - Getting Through the Difficult Parts of the Mental Health Recovery Journey

    In this episode I talk about the importance of, and what it means, to trust the process of recovery (Building Block #3) for those living with a mental health condition. I also offer some tips for how to get through the bad days and setbacks along the recovery journey with less resistance. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

    16 min
See All (13)

About

The Five Building Blocks of Recovery is a mental health podcast for people in recovery from one or more mental health conditions, their friends and family, and those in the mental health field who are providing support and treatment. The podcast will be partly educational and partly conversational; some episodes will focus on one or more aspects of each of the Five Building Blocks, while others will consist of interviews with people in recovery or people with expertise on one or more building blocks. Ultimately the goal is to leave you with simple ideas and action steps for your mental health recovery journey or for someone you care about. New episodes typically come out every two weeks on Sunday afternoons at 3PM, Pacific Time. Peer support group facilitator, peer support specialist, and professional mental health speaker Jared Bendifallah talks about mental health through the lens of his Five Building Blocks of Recovery which can provide a roadmap for recovery – a simple yet profound framework -- for those living with a mental health condition (and inspiration for their loved ones). Remember, recovery is possible, and hope is real 😊 Disclaimer: The insights and offerings shared by guests reflect their own views and experiences. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, clinical, or medical advice. Always use your own judgment when considering any services, programs, or resources mentioned. For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

Information

  • Creator
    Jared Bendifallah
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Five Building Blocks of Recovery®
  • Show Website
    Five Building Blocks of Recovery®