Mindful Moments by NAMI NextGen Oklahoma

NAMI Oklahoma
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

Welcome to Mindful Moments, where young people take the mic to talk about the realities of mental health for young people today. Hosted by the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council, this series dives into honest, stigma-free conversations that empower young people to take charge of their mental well-being!Each episode will feature personal stories, expert insights, and practical tips, because everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported. Whether you're a student, a young adult, or someone who cares about youth mental health, Mindful Moments is your space to listen, learn, and grow.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 12: Seasons of Life

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! Emma and Anna discuss the seasons of life through the lens of mental health. Just as nature moves through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, our lives are filled with periods of growth, achievement, transition, lost, rest, and renewal. Some seasons bring excitement and possibility, while others challenge us with uncertainty, grief, or change. Each season serves a purpose and offers opportunities for learning about ourselves and strengthening our emotional well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council, please use this link:  https://namioklahoma.org/get-involved/next-gen/ If you are interested in attending the Echoes in the Mind show on June 6th at Northwest Classen High School, you can find information or donate using this link: https://secure.givelively.org/event/mysterious-minds-dance-company/echoes-in-the-mind-mysterious-minds-dance-show Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Emma Valgora and Anna Bennett Producer: Halee Harder Questions: Kalyn Delaney Research: Sydney Yaffe Editor: Zack Lewis Recorded at the Village Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove and Lorna Palmer

    28 min

  2. Apr 24

    Episode 11: Weather Anxiety

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! Oklahoma is part of what is known as "Tornado Alley." Prior to the release of this episode, an outbreak of tornadoes hit communities in Kay and Garfield Counties. In this episode, Sydney talks to meteorologist Jack Gerfen about weather anxiety, how best to keep ourselves safe and informed during a severe weather event. Zack and Anna discuss the realities of living through a major weather event, and how they have used their experience to guide their ability to respond to one. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council, please use this link: https://namioklahoma.org/get-involved/next-gen/ If you are interested in registering for NAMIWalks Oklahoma on May 16, 2026, in Lower Scissortail Park, please use the following link: https://www.namiwalks.org/oklahoma Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Zack Lewis and Anna Bennett, special interview by Sydney Yaffe Guest: Jack Gerfen, Meteoroglogist Research/Producer: Sydney Yaffe Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at the Village Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove and Lorna Palmer

    42 min

  3. Mar 27

    Episode 10: Mental Health Policy

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Mindful Moments with the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Council, we sit down with Daniel Pae to explore what mental health policy really looks like from inside the Oklahoma State Capitol and what it could become. From his early entry into public service to his leadership on the legislative mental health caucus, Rep. Pae shares the personal experiences and policy priorities that have shaped his commitment to mental health advocacy. Together, we dig into the realities of Oklahoma’s behavioral health system, what stability actually means for providers and patients, and how lawmakers can balance accountability with consistency in a system that people’s lives depend on. We also take a closer look at the shift away from criminalizing mental illness, including the growing role of 988 and mobile crisis response. What would it take to build a true continuum of care in Oklahoma, and where do we want to go next? Finally, Rep. Pae offers insight into the realities of bipartisan work at the Capitol and speaks directly to young adults who feel disconnected from the political process, sharing why their voices still matter, even in a system that can feel out of reach. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council, please use this link:  https://namioklahoma.org/get-involved/next-gen/ If you are interested in registering for NAMIWalks Oklahoma on May 16, 2026, in Lower Scissortail Park, please use the following link: https://www.namiwalks.org/oklahoma Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Emma Valgora and Anna Bennett Research/Producer: Sydney Yaffe Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at the Oklahoma State Capitol NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove and Lorna Palmer

    23 min

  4. Feb 27

    Mindful Moments Episode 9: Loneliness vs. Being Alone

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Mindful Moments, Emma Valgora hosts Jason Musgrove, Public Policy Coordinator for NAMI Oklahoma and Staff Advisor to the NextGen Council, for an open conversation about the differences between loneliness and being alone. They discuss the benefits of alone time, types of loneliness, how to recognize loneliness in others, and how to find relationships, both romantic and platonic, that don't erode our sense of self. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council, please use this link: https://namioklahoma.org/get-involved/next-gen/ If you are interested in registering for NAMIWalks Oklahoma on May 16, 2026, in Lower Scissortail Park, please use the following link: https://www.namiwalks.org/oklahoma Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Emma Valgora and Jason Musgrove Questions: Kalyn Delaney Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at the The Village Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove and Lorna Palmer

    43 min

  5. Jan 30

    Episode 8: Productivity Culture & Finding the Right Therapist

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Mindful Moments, Emma sits down with Stephanie Wangler, LPC, for an honest and timely conversation about productivity culture and its impact on young people’s mental health. From hustle culture and academic pressure to the constant expectation to “optimize” every part of our lives, Emma and Stephanie unpack how productivity has quietly become a measure of self-worth, and why that mindset is harming an entire generation. Together, they explore how burnout, anxiety, and chronic stress are often normalized in school, early careers, and even advocacy spaces. Stephanie shares clinical insight into how productivity-driven thinking can reinforce perfectionism, people-pleasing, and shame cycles, while Emma reflects on what it means to build a life that prioritizes well-being over constant output. The conversation challenges listeners to redefine success, set boundaries, and recognize that rest is not laziness. The episode also offers practical guidance on finding the right therapist. Stephanie walks through what to look for in a provider, how to know if a therapist is a good fit, what questions to ask in a first session, and how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming process of starting therapy. Whether you’re brand new to counseling or considering a switch, this conversation emphasizes that you deserve care that affirms your identity, your goals, and your lived experience. At NAMI Oklahoma, we believe mental health advocacy includes dismantling systems and expectations that push young people to exhaustion. You are more than your GPA, your productivity, your job title, or your inbox. To watch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/LVEOY8GcbrA For information on and to register for our Change Maker event, use this link! https://namioklahoma.org/event/mind-your-heart-evolve-your-mind/ For those in Oklahoma looking for support: Mental health resources available in every county - https://namioklahoma.org/resources/oklahoma-resources/ Free & Low-Cost mental health services in OKC area - Collaborative Counseling and Training (NW OKC) https://collaborative-ct.com/ 405-659-0917 Congruence Counseling (Midtown OKC) info@congruenceokc.com 405-548-5781 Integrated Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma (Moore) https://itsofok.com/ 405-208-4469 Thousand Branches Wellness (OKC) https://thousandbrancheswellness.com/locations/oklahoma-city/ 405-442-4498 Healing Place “Alikchi” (OKC) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/healing-place-alikchi-oklahoma-city-ok/31867 Hosts: Emma Valgora Guest: Stephanie Wangler, LPC Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at The Village Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove and Lorna Palmer

    28 min

  6. 12/26/2025

    Episode 7: Mental Health during the Holidays

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! Anna and Maya discuss the impacts of the holiday season and seasonal depression, how to protect your mental health during the holidays, and why it is important to share the holidays with someone, even if they aren't family. Other members of the Council and NAMI Oklahoma staff also share their favorite holiday traditions. Share yours with us! Watch the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/gr12nFaQOnE If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council in 2026, please click or share this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17T-K7ptvJGfVMKKV7i1gdecxC9hljyQBV0Fll8yWApg/edit?usp=drivesdk Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Maya Williams-Furaha & Anna Bennett Questions: Kalyn Delaney Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at the offices of NAMI Oklahoma NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove and Lorna Palmer

    32 min

  7. 11/28/2025

    Episode 6: Talking to Family About Mental Health

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Mindful Moments, Maya Williams-Furaha and Emma Valgora dive into one of the most personal, and often most challenging, aspects of mental health: talking about it within our families. Maya and Emma explore how families talk about mental health, what differences exist  between generations, and what room there is to break the stigma both inside the family and in our larger communities. They talk about what genuine support looks like to them, even when the conversation feels uncomfortable. To watch the video for this episode, find it on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8JHfWD5xVFk If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council in 2026, please click or share this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17T-K7ptvJGfVMKKV7i1gdecxC9hljyQBV0Fll8yWApg/edit?usp=drivesdk Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Maya Williams-Furaha & Emma Valgora Voiceover: Kalyn Delaney Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at The Village Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove, Felicia Stroud, and Lorna Palmer

    35 min

  8. 10/31/2025

    Episode 5: Mental Health and Relationships - Recognizing Red Flags and Building Healthy Connections

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Mindful Moments by the NAMI NextGen Council, Host Anna Bennett sits down with Mikayla Maiahy, who is married to NAMI Oklahoma's Public Policy Coordinator Jason Musgrove, for a heartfelt and insightful conversations on the connection between mental health and relationships. Together, they unpack how to recognize red flags and patterns in the cycle of abuse, explore what healthy relationships look like, and share ways to seek partners and friendships that respect, protect, and nurture your mental well-being. Whether you're learning to set boundaries, healing from past relationships, or trying to better understand how love and mental health intersect, this conversation offers a mix of compassion, expertise, and practical advice to help you build relationship rooted in safety, empathy, and growth. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council in 2026, please click or share this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17T-K7ptvJGfVMKKV7i1gdecxC9hljyQBV0Fll8yWApg/edit?usp=drivesdk Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Anna Bennett Guests: Mikayla Maiahy Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at Patience S. Latting Northwest Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove, Felicia Stroud, and Lorna Palmer

    41 min

  9. 09/26/2025

    Episode 4: Suicide Prevention and Awareness

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! In this special Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month episode of Mindful Moments, Maya and Anna sit down with two powerful voices in youth mental health advocacy and support: Ash Savage and Brittany Ward. Together, they open an honest and hopeful conversation about suicide prevention; why it matters what resources make a difference, and how stigma can be broken through connection and community. Both future counselors, Ash shares their lived experience as a survivor and Brittany brings unique insight from her work with youth both in Oklahoma and abroad, including marginalized and vulnerable populations. Listeners will gain some practical knowledge, compassionate encouragement, and a reminder that prevention is possible. Suicide prevention is not just about the numbers. It's about people, hope, and making sure that every young person knows they are not alone. Check out Ash and Brittany's podcast, Counseling Stars!   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/counseling-stars/id1830850958 If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are or if you know someone between 18 and 25 who would like to be on the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council in 2026, please click or share this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17T-K7ptvJGfVMKKV7i1gdecxC9hljyQBV0Fll8yWApg/edit?usp=drivesdk To register for our annual conference on October 4th, use the following link: https://namioklahoma.org/get-involved/annual-conference/ Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. Hosts: Maya Williams-Furaha and Anna Bennett Guests: Ash Savage & Brittany Ward Producer/Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at Patience S. Latting Northwest Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove, Felicia Stroud, and Lorna Palmer

    29 min

  10. 08/29/2025

    Episode 3: Setting Boundaries

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode, Emma and Anna talk about what it means to set boundaries in college and early adulthood. From figuring out how to say no to invites, how to exit a social setting on their own terms, to the importance of having people in your life who respect your boundaries. They talk through the struggles and small wins that come with protecting their mental health, and how they have grown. To register for our annual conference on October 4th, use the following link: https://namioklahoma.org/get-involved/annual-conference/ Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma website for more information on services and upcoming events. To watch the video for this episode, use the link below: https://youtu.be/vN5Mj_YAWgw The experiences and opinions shared on this podcast are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. 988 Oklahoma 988 is a direct three-digit lifeline that connects you with trained behavioral health professionals that help all Oklahomans going through a mental health crisis. Hosts: Emma Valgora and Anna Bennett Producer: Kalyn Delaney Editor: Halee Harder Recorded at Patience S. Latting Northwest Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove, Felicia Stroud, and Lorna Palmer

    35 min

  11. 07/25/2025

    Episode 2: Who Am I? Quarter-life Crisis

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! Welcome to episode two of Mindful Moments! In this episode, we will be discussing the quarter-life crisis. Host Maya is joined by special guest, Ethan Schlecht, licensed professional counselor, to discuss what the quarter-life crisis is, the impact it may have on young adult lives, and ways to successfully transition out of the quarter-life crisis.  Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma YouTube channel to see the video from this episode, linked below. https://youtu.be/8sxpiokrETU The experiences and opinions shared on this episode are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. NAMI Oklahoma - www.namioklahoma.org NAMI Oklahoma is building better lives for all individuals and families affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, awareness, and support.988 Oklahoma 988 is a direct three-digit lifeline that connects you with trained behavioral health professionals that can help all Oklahomans going through a mental health crisis.About our guest, Ethan Schlecht:  Ethan has been a therapist for eight years. Ethan was born and raised in Oklahoma City and received a Master's in Mental Health Counseling in 2017 from Oklahoma State University. Ethan believes the therapeutic relationship is a significant agent of change and considers it foundational to the growth and healing of individuals. The therapeutic relationship can also model a felt sense of safety to be heard and seen for who she/he/they are. Ethan works with patients who are seeking guidance to make sense of their lives and find meanings in their identities, relationships, and overall outlook on life. Ethan believes healing occurs when one begins to understand herself or himself deeply in the context of past and present life circumstances. Ethan provides individual and couples therapy from a psychodynamic, holistic perspective. Ethan is LGBTQIA+ affirming. He believes all patients are striving for wellness, and his job is to provide the space and time to discover what each patient is needing to optimize his/her/their overall health. In his free time Ethan enjoys playing music, watching his favorite movies/shows, and spending time with his wife and two cats. Resources used for this episode:   https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/person-in-progress/202504/why-the-quarter-life-crisis-is-the-new-mid-life-crisis https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/empowering-young-adults/quarter-life-crisis/ https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpstcp/10/1/17 Special thanks to those who made this episode possible: Guest: Ethan Schlecht, LPC Host: Maya Williams-Furaha Researcher: Madison Waller Editor: Halee Harder Recording Facility: Belle Isle Metropolitan Library NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove, Lorna Palmer, Felicia Stroud

    45 min

  12. 06/27/2025

    Episode 1: Anxiety & Depression

    Tell us your story! We'd love to hear from you! Welcome to the first episode of Mindful Moments! In this episode, we will be discussing the realities of living with Anxiety and Depression as youth and young adults. Hosts Anna and Maya discuss their experiences, their similarities, their differences, and offer insight into why our society is so quick to downplay the effects of Depression and Anxiety, and what we as young people are doing to counter that! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out the NAMI Oklahoma YouTube channel to see the video from this episode, linked below. https://youtu.be/Fwlbm5R_BcA The experiences and opinions shared on this episode are those of the individuals and are not meant to directly reflect the beliefs of NAMI or NAMI Oklahoma. NAMI Oklahoma - www.namioklahoma.org NAMI Oklahoma is building better lives for all individuals and families affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, awareness, and support.The Trevor Project - www.thetrevorproject.org The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQIA+ young people, operating 24/7 all year round988 Oklahoma 988 is a direct three-digit lifeline that connects you with trained behavioral health professionals that can help all Oklahomans going through a mental health crisis. Resources used for this episode: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8621394/https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/depression/https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2025/05/12/oklahoma-suicide-rates-remain-above-national-average-new-study-finds/83457108007/ https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/how-to-train-your-brain-to-alleviate-anxietyhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/social-media-and-mental-health-in-children-and-teens

    42 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to Mindful Moments, where young people take the mic to talk about the realities of mental health for young people today. Hosted by the NAMI Oklahoma NextGen Advisory Council, this series dives into honest, stigma-free conversations that empower young people to take charge of their mental well-being!Each episode will feature personal stories, expert insights, and practical tips, because everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported. Whether you're a student, a young adult, or someone who cares about youth mental health, Mindful Moments is your space to listen, learn, and grow.

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