Coffee Can't Fix Everything The Healthy Project Media Co

In this enlightening episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with the inspiring Dr. Erlin Kakkanad to discuss the complexities of cultural identity, the science of happiness, and how to navigate the pressures of fitting in while staying true to oneself.
Dr. Erlin Kakkanad, an award-winning children's book author and positive psychology enthusiast, shares her journey from India to the U.S., the challenges of maintaining cultural identity, and the impact of her children's questions on her writing. She also gets into her professional mission of creating meaningful work environments and the importance of flow in achieving workplace happiness.
About the Guest:
Dr. Erlin Kakkanad’s experiences have shaped her into a problem-solver. In 2022, she debuted as a children's book author and is now the author of two award-winning bestsellers, "Happy in Your Skin" and "I Love Curry and I’m Not Sorry.” Her inspiration to publish these books came from the realization that there was a lack of children's literature catering to Asian Indian children’s curiosity about their cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Kakkanad is an international speaker and positive psychology enthusiast. She holds a BS in Computer Engineering and Application, a double Master’s in Human Resources and Total Quality Management - The Deming Way®, and a Doctorate in Philosophy and Education from Drake University, where her dissertation made significant contributions to the field of meaningful work. She is the Director of Operations Excellence at Principal Financial Group and serves as the Human Rights Commissioner for West Des Moines, Board Director for the American Red Cross - Central Iowa Chapter, and Board of Advisory Trustees for the Jacobson Institute at Grand View University.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Introduction 1:04 - Cultural Identity and Its Complexities 2:17 - The Moment of Realization: Helping My Son Understand 5:07 - Writing Children's Books: "Happy in Your Skin" and "I Love Curry and I'm Not Sorry" 8:36 - Navigating Cultural Curiosities 10:28 - Explaining Childhood Experiences to My Kids 13:37 - Defining Happiness and the Concept of "Happier" 17:45 - Faith, Friends, Family: The Pillars of Happiness 20:28 - Solitude and Community: Finding Balance 23:04 - Achieving Flow in Work 27:07 - Recharging: Family, Reading, and Travel 32:23 - Digital Detox: Finding Peace Away from Screens 36:55 - Maintaining Focus and Reducing Anxiety at Work 39:11 - Ending on a Positive Note: Tips for Presentations and Workdays 40:07 - Connecting with Dr. Erlin Kakkanad
Mental Health Resources:
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)Remember, coffee can't fix everything, but having these important conversations is a step in the right direction. Let's talk one coffee cup at a time. See you next time!

Join Corey Dion Lewis on "Coffee Can't Fix Everything" as he engages in a profound conversation with mental health advocate Kayla Bell-Consolver. In this episode, they delve into the significance of community healing, the impact of ancestral practices, and the challenges of navigating mental wellness in various communities. Kayla shares her journey, offering valuable insights on building and sustaining supportive environments both online and offline. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that underscores the power of collective healing and the role of community in mental health.
Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:04 - Meet Kayla Bell-Consolver 2:02 - The Essence of Community Healing 3:52 - Ancestral Practices in Modern Healing 5:52 - Evidence-Based vs. Lived Experience 7:52 - Healing While Helping Others 10:07 - Cultivating Online Communities 13:32 - Navigating Multi-Generational Relationships 17:42 - Managing Negativity in Online Communities 21:57 - Evolving Communities Over Time 25:16 - Investment in Community Relationships 26:44 - My City My Health and Community Healing 29:08 - Importance of Community in Healthcare 30:38 - Conclusion
Links to Mental Health Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Mental Health America (MHA)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)Therapy for Black GirlsBlack Mental Health AllianceDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on mental health and wellness!

In this episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Leah Lint to discuss the intricacies of maintaining mental health in the workplace. Leah shares her personal journey, the importance of supportive leadership, and how therapy played a crucial role in her mental wellness. From finding the right therapist to balancing personal and professional life, this conversation provides valuable insights for anyone navigating mental health challenges. Tune in for a candid and inspiring discussion emphasizing the significance of mental well-being in our daily lives.
Topics Covered:
Introduction and welcoming Leah LintLeah's mental health journeyThe impact of supportive leadershipFinding the right therapistBalancing personal and professional lifeAdvice for those seeking mental health supportChapter Markers: 0:00 - Introduction and Welcome 0:28 - Leah's Current State and Busy Week 1:10 - Mental Health Journey and Challenges 2:49 - Supportive Leadership Experience 4:34 - The Importance of Caring Leaders 5:31 - Therapy Process and Finding the Right Fit 7:17 - Personal Style and Comfort in Therapy 9:08 - Challenges in Finding the Right Therapist 10:29 - Referral Networks and Recommendations 11:29 - Indirect Leadership and Employee Support 12:54 - Efficiency of Supporting Employees14:08 - Blending Personal and Professional Life 15:29 - Therapy Milestones and Celebrations 16:34 - Mental Health Days and Workplace Acceptance 17:29 - Recognizing and Celebrating Progress 18:36 - Consistency in Mental Health Practices 20:02 - Journaling and Identifying Triggers 21:24 - Managing Stress and Anxiety at Work 21:54 - Advice for Mental Wellness Journey 23:37 - Closing Remarks and Encouragement 24:27 - Conclusion and Call to Action 
Mental Health Resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free and confidential support.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit www.nami.org or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Visit www.samhsa.gov or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).Mental Health America (MHA): Visit www.mhanational.org for resources and support.Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling.

In this episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa. They talk about the profound mental health benefits of mentorship, exploring how these relationships foster emotional growth and support for both mentors and mentees. Bridget shares her personal and professional insights, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
What You'll Learn:
The reciprocal benefits of mentorship on mental well-being.The impact of consistent, supportive relationships on personal development.Strategies for effective mentoring and building strong connections.Bridget's personal journey with mentorship and leadership.Featured Guest: Bridget Cravens-Neely, MBA, AFISLearn more about Bridget's work and connect with her on LinkedIn: Bridget Cravens-Neely
Important Resources:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa - Learn how you can make a difference in a young person's life.Mental Health Support: If you're in need of mental health support, connect with help at 988.Listen, Learn, Connect:Join us in this heartfelt discussion that not only highlights the transformative power of mentorship but also reinforces the critical need for mental health support within our communities. Whether you're a mentor, a mentee, or someone interested in the benefits of supportive relationships, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for nurturing your mental health and that of others.
Remember, mental health is crucial—support is available through 988 if you or someone you know needs assistance.

In this inspiring episode of "The Coffee Can't Fix Everything Podcast," I  sit down with Dr. Pat Ford, a physical therapist with a remarkable story of resilience, recovery, and rediscovery. At the young age of 30, Pat experienced a life-altering stroke during a CrossFit workout, an event that not only challenged his physical capabilities but also his mental fortitude and identity. From navigating the complexities of rehabilitation to confronting the mental struggles of adapting to a new normal, Pat shares his candid journey towards self-acceptance, love, and the unyielding pursuit of health. This conversation delves into the themes of gratitude, the impact of sudden health crises on one's life and family, and the crucial importance of support systems and self-compassion in the healing process.
Show Notes:
[00:50] Introduction to Dr. Pat Ford, his background, and the day his life changed.[01:56] Pat recounts the onset of his stroke, highlighting the unexpected nature of health crises and the immediate aftermath.[04:29] The drastic shift from being a physically active individual to facing the realities of recovery and rehabilitation.[06:18] Discussion on the financial fears and relief provided by health insurance, reflecting on the broader issues of healthcare accessibility.[08:31] The role of gratitude in Pat’s recovery process, acknowledging his privileged position in contrast to others’ experiences.[11:32] Exploring the psychological impact of the stroke on Pat’s identity and the process of adapting to a "new" version of oneself.[16:36] Pat shares the ongoing challenges in his recovery, including dealing with weight gain and the frustration of not being able to return to previous levels of fitness.[19:56] Addressing the importance of accepting change, setting realistic goals, and the concept of self-improvement.[25:11] An emotional revelation about self-love, family, and confronting the deep-seated issues that hinder personal happiness.[30:40] Concluding thoughts on making healthier choices, managing emotional responses, and the importance of support from loved ones.[34:19] How to connect with Dr. Pat Ford for those inspired by his story.Listeners are encouraged to seek support and engage in open discussions about mental health, reinforcing the podcast's mission to de-stigmatize mental health issues one conversation at a time.

In this enlightening episode of Coffee Can't Fix Everything, we're joined by the remarkable Breanne Ward, a founder therapist and a beacon of wisdom in the mental health community. We talk about the complexities of supporting friends and loved ones through mental health challenges, the importance of setting boundaries, and the power of vulnerability within the African American community. Breanne illuminates the conversation with her AAA policy – Acknowledge, be Aware, and be Accessible, providing actionable advice on how to initiate conversations about mental health with compassion and understanding. We also explore the significance of community in healing and the transformative potential of creating spaces for authentic connection and mutual support.
Show Notes:
Introduction to Breanne Ward: Learn about the insights and experiences that Breanne brings to the table as a seasoned mental health professional.The AAA Policy: Discover the three crucial steps to approach someone dealing with mental health issues: Acknowledge their feelings, be Aware of the situation, and make yourself Accessible.Setting Healthy Boundaries: Understand why it's essential to check your capacity and set boundaries when supporting someone, ensuring you don't compromise your own mental health.Navigating Vulnerability: Breanne discusses the historical and societal challenges of vulnerability in the African American community and the strides being made towards openness and acceptance.The Importance of Community: A deep dive into how building a supportive community can significantly impact mental health recovery and maintenance.Practical Advice for Parents: Tips on how to discuss mental health with children, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and naming emotions within the family.Creating Spaces for Healing: Learn about the upcoming social connected group aimed at fostering authentic selves and leadership among individuals post-healing.Breanne's Contact Information: Ways to connect with Breanne Ward for further professional advice or personal support.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it's crucial to seek professional help. In the United States, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support. Remember, it's okay not to be okay, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength.