Mental Filter

Shmuel Fischler
  • 5.0 (13)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Mental health is everywhere. Period. The human experience; work, hobbies, interests, entertainment, challenges, relationships etc. is unique and seen through our own individual 'lenses'. Take a journey through these experiences together with a mental health professional (me!), his dry wit, and guests from across the landscape of everyday life he convinced to join him as they have candid conversations- all through the lens of mental health. Almost like you do...but recorded. No corn or dads were harmed during production. Obvious statement: Listening to this podcast, while meaningful and entertaining, does not come close to replacing professional support. Please feel encouraged to seek proper care if you are struggling. Please do not take us super seriously...we don't :) We can always be reached at www.cbtbaltimore.com

  1. 07/08/2025

    Understanding Neurodivergence: Beyond the Buzzword

    Episode Notes Understanding Neurodivergence: Beyond the Buzzword Join us for a powerful conversation with Sierra Grandy—attorney, speaker, and advocate—as we dive deep into what neurodivergence really means beyond the popular buzzword. Sierra brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this essential discussion, sharing her journey from childhood mental health struggles through electroconvulsive therapy to eventual diagnosis with autism and ADHD as an adult. In this episode, we explore: What neurodivergence actually means (and why it's more than just a trendy term) The difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences How masking works and why it's both protective and exhausting The intersection of mental health, chronic pain, and neurodivergence Why accommodations benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals Practical advocacy and the importance of "nothing about us without us" Sierra candidly discusses her path from surviving multiple hospitalizations to becoming a thriving advocate, revealing how proper diagnosis transformed her understanding of decades of struggles. This conversation challenges assumptions about disability, accommodation, and what it means to create truly inclusive systems. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, support someone who is, or simply want to better understand the diverse ways brains work, this episode offers invaluable insights into building a more accessible world for everyone. Hosted by: Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C long time therapist, trainer, and consultant. Learn more about him at www.cbtbaltimore.com Resources mentioned: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), questifyyourlife.com, sierragrande.com Support the show by rating, sharing, and helping us reach more listeners who need these conversations. Find out more at https://mental-filter.pinecast.co

    1h 1m

  2. 09/23/2024

    The Education Evolution

    Episode Notes The Education Evolution: A Conversation with a Veteran Teacher In this episode of Mental Filter, we explore the dynamic world of education with Stacey Herring, a high school math teacher with over 26 years of experience. We discuss the evolution of education, changes in technology and state testing, and the introduction of vendor-based curriculums. Stacey shares her personal journey, the ups and downs of teaching, the impact of social media, and the mixed motivations of students. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on students' social behaviors and mental health, the challenges of classroom discipline and accommodations, and the declining profession of teaching. Stacey offers a candid perspective on the realities and future of the education system. So much to listen to! Thank you for listening. Please, kindly support us by rating, reviewing, and sharing :) Shmuel Fischler https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/about/team/shmuel-fischler/?swcfpc=1 00:00 Introduction to Education Discussion 01:28 Meet Stacey Herring: A Veteran Math Teacher 03:16 Early Teaching Experiences 05:21 Changes in Education Over the Years 10:24 Impact of Technology on Education 17:42 Challenges in Modern Education 24:19 Teacher Hiring Challenges 25:13 Impact on Student Mental Health 27:21 The Role of Accommodations in Education 33:20 Discipline and Authority in Schools 39:04 COVID-19's Impact on Education 42:21 Bullying in the Digital Age 44:44 Keeping Up with Former Students 47:05 Advice for Aspiring Educators Find out more at https://mental-filter.pinecast.co

    50 min

  3. 04/05/2024

    Being Prepared for Anything with Chaya Deitsch

    What's your first thought when you hear about a house fire or mass casualty? It's likely to run out of the building or immediately get to safety. For our first responders, their instinct is to run into the burning building and towards the gunfire. This week's episode features Chaya Deitsch, of the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office department of Emergency Management, in which she shares the adrenaline that comes with an emergency and how solutions to different emergencies come about. To learn more about emergency management, you can simply do a quick search of your local government and emergency management opportunities in your area! Thank you again to Chaya for joining us for this conversation! And thank you to our loyal listeners (and for sharing this with your local ice cream man). Shmuel Fischler, LCSW-C www.cbtbaltimore.com

    1h 1m

  4. 03/05/2024

    A Story of Love, Loss, & Resilience with Capt. Kelsie Hancock, USMC Reservist, Founder & CEO of The Purple Skies Foundation and Surviving Fiance of Capt. Nicholas "Sloppy" Losapio

    At least once in our lives, we will experience loss, whether it be loss of a career, a family member, a sense of security, or a significant other. Today's podcast co-host, Capt. Kelsie Hancock, shares her story of love, loss, and resilience, when she lost her fiance, Capt. Nick "Sloppy" Losapio and the crew of Swift-11 in an MV-22B training exercise in Holtville, CA on June 8, 2022. Kelsie has a unique story, but unfortunately, not a unique experience as a significant other who has lost their partner due to a line of duty death or mishap. If you want to further connect with Kelsie and learn more about The Purple Skies Foundation, you can visit their website, thepurpleskiesfoundation.com or follow them on Instagram @thepurpleskiesfoundation. Today's episode is in memory of the crew of Swift-11, including Capt. Nicholas Losapio, Capt. John J. Sax, Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, and LCpl. Evan A. Strickland. Views expressed here are opinions and are not representative or on behalf of the DoD. Thank you for taking the time to listen, like, and subscribe to Mental Filter. If you'd like to sponsor an episode of Mental Filter, please reach out to us using the email info@cbtbaltimore.com. Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/

    1h 20m

  5. 02/12/2024

    Lessons from H*ll with Arky Staiman, Tour Guide & Army Reservist

    If you've seen the news at any point since October 7, 2023, you are more than well aware of what's been happening in Israel. Both the events happening and the response to the events worldwide can be difficult to process, but what's even harder is being on the frontlines. This week we sat down with tour guide and army reservist, Arky Staiman, to hear about his experience working with the IDF. When Arky isn't on the frontlines, he is helping to spread the love and connection between the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland of Israel. You can learn more about Arky via his website, israelwitharky.com, or connect with him on Instagram @israelwitharky. Today's episode was sponsored by our very own practice, CBT Baltimore. CBT Baltimore really supports the mission of disseminating and sharing meaningful, helpful content for the public. Thank you for all of your likes, shares, subscribes, and running after your mailperson to tell them all about Mental Filter. Until next time! Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/

    50 min

  6. 01/22/2024

    Keeping Cool in Crisis with Avi Tenenbaum, MA, CASAP, EMT, Sgt.

    Have you ever wondered what fuels the fire in the heart of individuals who run towards crisis and disaster, whether it be man-made crisis or natural disaster? Have you ever thought to yourself, "I'm going through the worst of it right now, how do people make it out of these things unscathed"? Have you ever wanted to know more about crisis response and how to mitigate the onset of long-lasting trauma? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are in for a treat! This month, we hosted Avi Tenenbaum, MA, CASAP, EMT, Sgt., an expert in Disaster Behavioral Health and Psychological First Aid. Avi provides international training to mental health & medical professionals, first responders, and the general public in psychological disaster response and grief leadership. His experience includes providing aid for people coping in the wake of numerous large-scale disasters and wars including the Second Lebanon War, Hurricane Harvey, Pittsburg Tree-of-Life Massacre, Haifa 2016 Fires, Covid-19, Operation Cast-Lead, Meron Civil Disaster, Karlin Bleacher Collapse, Operation Guardian of the Walls, and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, as well as over 2000 small-scale tragedies in the role as a psychological first aid provider, trainer, & supervisor. Learn more about him & his work at www.psychotraumaunit.com. This episode was sponsored by the CNSLT Real Estate Group. CNSLT is a strategy, design, innovation, and building consultancy. We partner with commercial and residential owners and developers to streamline each project by defining, clarifying, and edifying the entire design and build process. From the pre-architecture phase through project completion, CNSLT ensures every piece of the puzzle is perfect and the final picture profound. Our unique programmatic systems, owner representation, specialty services, know-how, and punch lists cover every variable and finesse each detail. If you are interested in sponsoring a Mental Filter episode of your own, please email info@cbtbaltimore.com. If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider sharing it with a friend, family member, or your neighborhood mail carrier. Thank you for supporting Mental Filter! Shmuel Fischler, LCSW-C https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/

    59 min

  7. 10/11/2023

    Why do YOU eat? with Dr. Ilana Levin

    Food is one thing that is ever present in our lives. From birthday and holiday celebrations to meals with friends we haven't seen in years, food can bring us together and bring us joy. But what happens when we put too much thought into what goes into our bodies? For this episode, we were joined by Dr. Ilana Levin of Wildflower Therapy to have a candid conversation all about eating. To further connect with Ilana, you can visit https://www.colleenreichmann.com/meet-our-therapists/. Thank you for your continued support and coercing your mailperson to listen :) Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/

    58 min

  8. 08/01/2023

    Getting Your Ish Together with Dr. Nachi Felt

    Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, you can't focus on the task at hand? Maybe it's the ten minute task of filing your taxes, but the latest TikTok trends have you scrolling your For You Page for hours. Or maybe it's that homework that you know will only take you a few moments to crank out and submit, but your brain is wandering to what you're going to wear to the Barbie movie this weekend. If this has ever happened to you (I think it's happened to all of us at least once), then this episode is for you. This week we sat down with Dr. Nachi Felt, a psychologist who specializes in ADHD and is a current professor at Columbia University. If these topics interest you and you'd like to learn more, and possibly connect with Dr. Felt, please feel free to visit his website, https://adhddoctor.org/. As always, we appreciate you listening (and watching). So much passion goes into Mental Filter and our hearts light up with every like and subscribe! Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/

    45 min
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About

Mental health is everywhere. Period. The human experience; work, hobbies, interests, entertainment, challenges, relationships etc. is unique and seen through our own individual 'lenses'. Take a journey through these experiences together with a mental health professional (me!), his dry wit, and guests from across the landscape of everyday life he convinced to join him as they have candid conversations- all through the lens of mental health. Almost like you do...but recorded. No corn or dads were harmed during production. Obvious statement: Listening to this podcast, while meaningful and entertaining, does not come close to replacing professional support. Please feel encouraged to seek proper care if you are struggling. Please do not take us super seriously...we don't :) We can always be reached at www.cbtbaltimore.com

Information

  • Creator
    Shmuel Fischler
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026
  • Show Website
    Mental Filter