Alterd Life Michael Castanon

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Glenn Hadley and Camille Reid from Unlock Health discuss their personal and professional journeys. Glenn shares how his solitary tennis career transitioned into a supportive community, while Camille reflects on overcoming a turbulent youth through connection and mentorship. Together, they highlight the importance of trust, resilience, and human connection in their partnership and work. They delve into the impact of developmental trauma and the role of authenticity and empowerment in successful relationships. The conversation underscores their commitment to integrating personal growth with professional achievements, ultimately aiming to bridge gaps in healthcare and behavioral health through innovative strategies and collaboration.


HIGHLIGHT QUOTES


[00:30:53] “It was an important thing for me, me personally, to have that reconnection and to be able to speak on a very, close unfiltered level about how things are going. How's the business? and then also to what are, I think I asked what, are you looking to do in your life? Are you open to a new adventure? I think this is the way I may have put it.”

[00:56:47] “And just bring that confidence and that level of relation, like human relation out to the world. Like it's something I feel passionate about and I just, I want everybody to feel that same thing and feel comfortable just going to have a conversation with a stranger.”

Timestamps
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:18] A Deep Dive into Personal Stories
[00:01:34] Glenn's Story: From Tennis Courts to Transformative Care
[00:03:15] Camille's Journey: Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Connection
[00:05:27] Exploring the Power of Connection and Recovery
[00:21:35] Shining a Light on Helpers and Mentors
[00:25:40] The Formation of a Unique Bond: Glenn and Camille's Connection
[00:32:08] The Beginning of a Transformative Journey
[00:32:40] Opening Doors to New Opportunities
[00:32:43] The Impact of Personal Growth on Professional Relationships
[00:35:07] Building a Dynamic Duo: The Power of Collaboration
[00:36:51] The Evolution of a Professional Partnership
[00:39:13] Achieving Business Success Through Mutual Trust
[00:42:56] Exploring the Depths of Human Connection
[00:46:52] The Essence of Teamwork and Mutual Respect
[00:51:07] A Unique Approach to Professional Dynamics
[00:53:43] Final Thoughts on Human Connection and Professional Growth

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Johnny Crowder, the founder of Cope Notes, shares his powerful journey of overcoming mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, and trauma through the transformative power of forgiveness, resilience, and human connection. He discusses his pivotal realization about the impact of his condition on loved ones, leading him to pursue change and healing actively. Johnny's experiences in psychology and music, coupled with his work with NAMI and his creation of Cope Notes, underscore the importance of support, understanding, and technology in mental health. Through stories of personal growth and lessons learned, Johnny illustrates how confronting and understanding our darkest moments can lead to profound healing and impact on others' lives. The episode also covers the significance of grappling with unforgiveness, navigating the effects of childhood adversity, and leveraging one's struggles to foster connection and hope for others.


HIGHLIGHT QUOTES


[00:48:12] “The worst thing that happened in your life either happened for nothing and there's no fruit and no reason and it's just bad or we can leverage that thing to create something that we couldn't have created without it and create a good that couldn't have existed unless that happened. When faced with that choice, there is no chance that I'm going to allow those terrible things that happened to me to be for nothing.”

[00:48:12] “It's not that you can't overcome negativity bias. It's that the volume of your combatant thoughts needs to be greater. If you have one negative thought, you might need 11 positive thoughts to overcome it. It's not that it can't be overcome, it's that you really need to put in some work on the other side.”

Timestamps
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:01] Johnny's Personal and Professional Evolution
[00:04:38] The Genesis of Cope Notes: From Concept to Impact
[00:13:06] The Science of Negative Thoughts and Overcoming Them
[00:22:47] The Journey of Recovery and the Power of Persistence
[00:29:25] A Night of Unexpected Tears: Understanding Emotional Impact
[00:30:22] The Turning Point: From Personal Struggle to Collective Insight
[00:32:11] Exploring Forgiveness and Its Power in Human Connection
[00:33:26] The Transformative Journey Through Trauma and Forgiveness
[00:46:39] Leveraging Pain for Positive Change: A Personal Story
[00:48:46] Finding Hope and Encouragement for Others
[00:57:10] Concluding Thoughts: The Power of Perspective and Possibility

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Michael is joined by Greer Van Dyck, a leader in organizational health coaching with a focus on supporting working parents. Greer discusses the importance of creating a nurturing corporate environment for mothers, addressing the loneliness and identity crisis that come with motherhood, and the need for both systemic and personal solutions. She elaborates on her journey from experiencing pregnancy and motherhood as a small business owner to advocating for working moms and parents, highlighting the significance of early and continuous support in the workplace. Greer and the host delve into the tangible and emotional challenges that moms face, the importance of human connection, and the positive impact of proper support on employee and organizational success. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in maternity leave policies, continuous mental and emotional support, and the inclusivity of dads in parental support efforts. Greer advocates for systemic change and shares insights on how corporate leaders can foster a supportive culture for working parents, stressing the ROI in employee fulfillment, engagement, and organizational health.

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

[00:07:09] Greer Van Dyck: "If you're waiting until maternity leave or return to work to connect with the parents...Why I mentioned the trying and that mindset and the pregnancy and that mindset is because that's when those identity crises begin to start, right? That fear and anxiety begins to start...if you can start those conversations early and have them often, I believe that so much preventative work can happen and it really gives that parent the opportunity to put language to what they're going through."

[00:30:20] Greer Van Dyck: “I have a lot of respect for what it takes to engage and integrate these changes. I do not have any expectations. a switch is flipped, and you're now integrating this library of offerings. But what I do talk often with CEOs about is what is progressive integration looks like? Let's create a 3 to 5 year plan about how you can reduce some of this support over time. What's 1 thing we could talk about doing? And integrating now, and then let's re engage in three to six months. And what's the next thing we could add, right? I would say that those conversations are pretty successful.”

Timestamps
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:09] The Personal Journey to Professional Advocacy
[00:02:52] Deep Dive into Supporting Working Moms and Parents
[00:07:09] The Importance of Early and Continuous Support
[00:09:42] Measuring Success and Impact in Supporting Working Moms
[00:13:33] Simplifying Support: Practical Tips and Insights
[00:19:21] The Ripple Effect of Supportive Practices
[00:20:39] Balancing Grit with Emotional Support and Connection
[00:26:05] Advice for CEOs: Cultivating a Supportive Culture
[00:26:31] Advice to CEOs on Maternity Leave and Employee Support
[00:27:01] The Importance of Flexibility in Maternity Leave Policies
[00:28:15] Addressing Mental and Emotional Support in the Workplace
[00:29:35] Cultural Preparation for Organizational Change
[00:30:34] Progressive Integration of Support Systems in Organizations
[00:32:28] Supporting Moms: Balancing Professional and Personal Life
[00:35:24] Understanding the Physiological and Psychological Changes in Motherhood
[00:37:38] The Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions Postpartum
[00:42:59] Supporting Dads in the Workplace
[00:44:01] Innovations and Opportunities in Supporting Working Parents
[00:46:51] The Role of Human Connection in Parental Support
[00:50:17] Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More Information

In this episode, we explore the contrasting yet converging paths of Robert and Devon. Robert's childhood was spent in the harsh deserts of California where, despite the picturesque activities of hiking, fishing, and shooting, he was shielded from a tumultuous home life marked by violence. As the eldest sibling, Robert shouldered heavy responsibilities early on, eventually spiraling into drug and alcohol abuse by the age of 17. He vividly recalls this period as "the powder keg that exploded," derailing his life.
Meanwhile, Devon's upbringing on a remote ranch in a tiny town of just 400 people painted a picture of simplicity and rural charm. However, feelings of inadequacy crept in as he compared himself to others, driving him towards substance abuse as a means of social liberation. This dangerous path led him to rehab at 19, but it wasn't until a move to Newport Beach and a serious commitment to sobriety at 22 that Devon began to truly find his way.
Both men learned that "the obstacle is the way," a mantra that taught them to view challenges as opportunities. Their paths crossed through a 12-step program where Robert became both a mentor and a beacon of wisdom for Devon, profoundly shaping his life and business pursuits.
Robert and Devon's journey took a pivotal turn when they joined a mastermind group focused on creating generational wealth. Here, Devon thrived, surrounded by successful entrepreneurs who influenced his growth and outlook. The duo also ventured into business together, where they cultivated a deep bond through lessons in authentic communication.
Robert's philosophy on failure—that every setback is divinely guided and devoid of regret—paired with their shared belief in the motto “Problem, No Problem,” encapsulates their approach to every challenge as merely an opportunity in disguise.
The episode culminates with personal insights from Robert about the transformative power of expressing love. He shares a touching narrative about his relationship with his father, from whom he never heard "I love you." This changed when Robert decided to be the initiator, consistently expressing love until he finally heard the words reciprocated during a poignant phone call.
The conversation shifts to the professional realm, where Devon values Robert’s candid feedback on life and business. Robert finds fulfillment in seeing his mentees implement his coaching. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in personal development, with both agreeing that technology is a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. They also consider AI's potential in mental health, noting its unique ability to elicit more honest interactions than sometimes occur in human-to-human settings.
The three most important themes from this episode summary are:

Transformation and Redemption: Both Robert and Devon have backgrounds marked by struggle, including substance abuse and personal challenges. Their journeys illustrate a significant transformation from a life of difficulties to one of sobriety and purpose. This theme encompasses the idea that adversity can be a catalyst for change and personal growth, as reflected in Robert's philosophy that "the obstacle is the way" and their mutual understanding that challenges can be embraced as opportunities.

Mentorship and Support Networks: The relationship between Robert and Devon highlights the importance of mentorship and the role of support networks in personal and professional development. Robert serves as a mentor to Devon, guiding him through business and life challenges. Their participation in a 12-step program and a mastermind group aimed at building generational wealth underscores the value of being surrounded by individuals who share similar goals and values, facilitating growth and learning.

Authentic Communication and Relationships: This theme is evident in the emphasis on authentic communication within their business partnership and personal interactions. Robert's approach to re

About to enroll in studying for her doctorate, Jocelyn had to make a big decision when faced with the financial reality of the loans she would have to take out.

Looking for work, she got exposed to the mortgage industry and quickly realized there was something there that she was looking for.

Despite being a different path than she'd imagined when growing up, she decided to go all in and jump into the industry.

Navigating the fast-paced and quickly changing environment, Jocelyn found a mentor in Chris, a stable ship in the turbulent sea.

Chris' ability to hold space and show empathy for those around him make him a fought after leader that others turn to often sharing how their own managers never treat them positively in this way.

By getting down to the real problems beneath the surface of the emotional symptoms allows Chris to help Jocelyn solve problems proactively and renew a sense of energy about a situation that previously she wanted to get out of.

Despite his success, Chris still struggles with imposter syndrome, looking at the house he owns and the lifestyle he lives with a certain sense that he could always survive if it all went away.

Having come from a rougher part of town in San Antonio, Texas where most of his friends from the neighborhood were in gangs, and even though at times his family needed to apply for food stamps or other government aid, Chris never felt they were "poor" because they had everything they needed.

With the current economic changes going on in the finance and real estate industry, stress is all around them.

And earlier this year, Chris actually stopped drinking alcohol and has had to come face to face with the realities of his emotions.

Jocelyn, in this trusted relationship with Chris is able to point out patterns and things that Chris is not able to see. For example, whenever Chris gets stressed, he fills his calendar with activity. But now, with new eyes, he regularly schedules time throughout the day to be alone with his thoughts and process what's going on around him.

It's important to stay positive and cultivate a sense of gratitude - it's even more important to open up to the people around you, because most problems can be solved by getting into community.

Chris and Jocelyn have been through a lot together and reflecting back on these years together has helped them see just how rewarding it is when we lean into the power of human connection.

Learn more about Chris Medellin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismedellin/
Learn more about Jocelyn Morton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-morton-41059022b/
Learn more about your host, Michael Castanon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-castanon-3a51748/

The power of human connection is present in Kacie and Solome’s working relationship.

They can be real with each other and grow from the experience - realizing that authenticity and transparency triumphs - the ability to call each other out and disagree without losing sight of the bigger mission.

It’s in this light that Michael points out that “If you can’t keep it real, you can’t keep it at all.”

Failure is not something to be feared, especially in the world of innovation.

Solome recounts her adventures in founding a CBT technology startup in college - raising seed funds and bringing an app to market, later to realize it didn’t land with her intended audience.

But it’s through this failure that Solome can draw on a deep well of experience. The same is true for Kacie in her life and for all of us.

Both Solome and Kacie envision a future where access to Behavioral Health Data is more accessible and seek to break down the barriers that have been created between the mental health world and the general medicine world because many conditions can be treated by generalists.

By making records more transparent and accessible, better solutions can be created through technology that make treatment available to a larger population.

Struggling with human connection as early as her teen years, Solome found herself suffering from anxiety…and also found herself on Friday nights at her local Barnes and Noble as a teenager researching and learning more about her condition.

Through her family, she was able to get access to care, and after going through 4 clinicians eventually received an accurate diagnosis that was ultimately treatable and manageable.

Even in a pre-social media world, she asked herself the question…how can we make this kind of treatment more scalable and accessible to those who didn’t have the resources she had access to?

She discovered that technology truly was the way that you accomplish this mission.

Kacie always knew she wanted to be a therapist.

Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, there were still many people around her who were struggling with anxiety.

That led her to the work the she does today, elevating the role of mental health in society, looking to provide better solutions - exponentially helping more people across the country find relief.

She believes that we are all more alike than we are different and seeks to bring more unity to the industry - despite the opposition to this in the media, trying to divide our country.

It’s in this space, where Kacie was connected to Solome, now the founder of Behavioral Health Tech, the largest community in the behavioral health technology space.

Being connected has been a force multiplier for the ability to drive change and progress in the behavioral health technology field.

Learn more about Solome Tibebu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solome/Learn more about Kacie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacie-kelly-04667763/Learn more about Michael Castanon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-castanon-3a51748/