The Force for Good

Miller-Dwan Foundation
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Monthly

The need for mental health solutions is greater than ever. The Force for Good is a podcast that breaks down topics related to our own mental health and the well-being of the communities we belong to and love. Episodes feature insightful conversations, personal experiences, expertise, and strategies covering a wide range of mental health themes. Tune in as host Rick Gertsema, Senior Mental Health Adviser at the Miller-Dwan Foundation, and his guests share transformative information that you can apply in your life. 

Episodes

  1. Feb 5

    Navigating Mental Health in the Military

    In this episode of The Force for Good, Rick interviews Christopher Allen, a retired Army National Guard member with extensive experience in suicide prevention and mental health training. Christopher shares his journey from military service to his current role in integrated primary prevention, emphasizing the importance of teaching problem management skills to service members. The conversation explores the need for proactive training, the significance of in-person interactions, and the potential impact of Problem Management Plus (PM Plus) in addressing mental health challenges within the military community.

    31 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    From Struggle to Strength: The Power of Peer Support

    In this compelling episode of "The Force for Good," we sit down with Chrissy Barnard, a dedicated mental health advocate and peer support specialist. Chrissy shares her personal journey from overcoming mental health struggles to becoming a beacon of hope and recovery for others. Discover how her lived experiences have shaped her role as the Executive Director of NAMI Lake Superior South Shore and her impactful work with Hope Haven. Join us as we explore the transformative power of peer support and the initiatives driving change in mental health advocacy. Tune in to be inspired by stories of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow. www.mdfoundation.org

    26 min

  3. 10/08/2025

    Scalable Interventions in Mental Health Care

    In this episode, Rick Gertzma and Alesha Cid Vega discuss innovative approaches to mental health, focusing on scalable interventions and the importance of community engagement. They explore the role of mentorship, the adaptation of mental health interventions to fit diverse contexts, and the integration of digital tools like telenovelas to reach wider audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors to sustain mental health initiatives and improve access to care. www.mdfoundation.org

    28 min

  4. 07/18/2025

    Empowering Communities Through Mental Health Advocacy

    In this episode of The Force for Good, Rick Gertsema interviews Jordan Johnson, who shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. They discuss the importance of understanding health beyond physical ailments, the significance of cultural adaptations in community training, and the impact of PM Plus on personal relationships. Jordan's aspirations for political service and his dedication to working alongside community members highlight the need for collaboration and understanding in addressing mental health issues. www.mdfoundation.org

    30 min

  5. 06/09/2025

    Mental Health Advocacy

    In this conversation, Rick Gertsma and Ashlie Castaldo discuss the critical importance of mental health in preventing social issues such as drug usage and homelessness. Ashlie shares her personal journey, including her advocacy for mental health, community engagement, and political involvement. They explore the need for nuanced approaches to mental health, the significance of coping mechanisms, and the role of community in fostering well-being. The discussion also highlights the future directions for mental health advocacy and the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing these challenges. www.mdfoundation.org

    29 min

  6. 05/20/2025

    Mental Health Healing Doesn't Need to be Complicated

    In this episode of The Force for Good, Rick Gertsema, along with Traci Marciniak and Dr. Adam Brown, discuss the importance of mental health awareness and the idea that healing does not need to be complicated. They explore personal experiences, the power of small habits, the significance of reciprocal relationships, and the role of environment in mental health care. The conversation emphasizes the need for kindness towards oneself and the importance of reaching out to others for support. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness 01:08 Healing Doesn't Need to Be Complicated 04:50 The Power of Small Habits 10:45 Reciprocal Relationships and Support 17:08 Making Mental Health Care Accessible 21:56 The Role of Environment in Healing 25:02 Final Thoughts and Takeaways www.mdfoundation.org

    29 min

  7. 09/05/2024

    Championing Children's Mental Health

    Tracy Litman, a public school social worker, shares her journey and passion for helping others, particularly adolescents. She emphasizes the importance of not holding oneself hostage to the past and instead focusing on what one can do from here forward.  Tracy has been recognized with numerous awards for her dedication to her work, including being named Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year. She has also been involved with organizations such as PAVSA (Program Aide for Victims of Sexual Assault) and DAIP (Domestic Abuse Intervention Project).  Tracy's personal story includes her experience as the legal guardian of a child with disabilities, which has shaped her advocacy work. She is now a board member of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, where she continues to fight for children's mental health and access to support. www.mdfoundation.org

    29 min

  8. 06/19/2024

    The Power of Simultaneity: Creating New Possibilities

    Gary Hubbell, a consultant, discusses his work with non-profit organizations and the importance of simplifying complexity, unifying teams, and embracing transformative change. He highlights the concept of simultaneity, which is one of the principles of appreciative inquiry, and how it brings about new possibilities. Hubbell shares his experience working with the Miller-Dwan Foundation and their approach to strategic planning, which involved engaging key stakeholders and imagining plausible alternative futures. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the foundation's commitment to being bolder, acting bigger, and adapting better. The conversation also touches on the foundation's initiatives, such as HOPEX and PM Plus, and their impact on both the local and global level. Chapters 00:00 Flipping the Traditional Approach to Leadership 03:26 The Power of Simultaneity 04:27 Simultaneity and Appreciative Inquiry 19:03 Being Bolder and Acting Bigger 25:22 Community Involvement and Fertile Soil for Ideas 28:45 Local and Global Impact of Initiatives www.mdfoundation.org

    29 min

  9. 05/24/2024

    40 Years of Behavioral Health: A Journey of Compassion and Impact

    Rick Gertsema, Senior Mental Health Advisor at the Miller-Dwan Foundation, shares his 40-year career in behavioral health and his passion for helping people. He discusses the importance of creating a scalable mental health workforce to address the mental health crisis. Gertsema highlights the PM Plus program, developed by the World Health Organization, as a way to provide effective care through trained non-specialists. He emphasizes the value of compassion, gold standard care, and the power of relationships in transforming mental health care. Gertsema's commitment, passion, and intuition make him an integral part of the foundation's efforts to eliminate the mental health crisis. 00:00 Rick Gertsema's 40-Year Career in Behavioral Health 13:20 Creating a Scalable Mental Health Workforce 26:36 Rick Gertsema's Passion for Making a Difference www.mdfoundation.org

    28 min

  10. 04/29/2024

    Zak Williams: A Journey of Mental Health Advocacy

    Zak Williams, mental health advocate and founder of PYM (Prepare Your Mind), shares his personal journey and the importance of mental health awareness and support. He discusses his own struggles with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts, as well as the impact of his father, Robin Williams' suicide. Williams emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health, including programming, awareness, research, advocacy, and policy. He also highlights the importance of nutrition and self-care in maintaining mental well-being. Williams praises the passion and compassion of the people of Duluth and their role in driving systems change. Keywords Zak Williams, mental health, advocacy, PYM, Prepare Your Mind, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, Robin Williams, suicide, comprehensive approach, programming, awareness, research, advocacy, policy, nutrition, self-care, passion, compassion, systems change Takeaways Mental health advocacy is a personal and healing journey for Zak Williams, who experienced anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts from a young age.A comprehensive approach to mental health includes programming, awareness, research, advocacy, and policy.Nutrition and self-care play a crucial role in mental well-being, and Williams founded PYM to promote mental health through diet and lifestyle.The people of Duluth are passionate and compassionate, driving systems change and inspiring Williams in his advocacy work.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:46 Growing Up with Robin Williams 23:45 Experience in Duluth and Systems Change www.mdfoundation.org

    26 min

  11. 03/18/2024

    Community-Based Mental Health Care

    Summary This conversation explores the work of the Miller-Dwan Foundation in the field of mental health, specifically their collaboration with Dr. Brandon Kohrt and Dr. Adam Brown on the implementation of Problem Management Plus (PM+) in New York City and the Twin Ports. The conversation covers the background of the project, the scalability of mental health interventions, and the need for accessible mental health services. The Recoup New York project, which aims to evaluate the efficacy of PM+, is discussed, along with other organizations and initiatives in the field. The partnership between the Miller-Dwan Foundation and the two doctors is highlighted as a model for community-based mental health care. Takeaways Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a scalable intervention that can be delivered by non-specialists, providing mental health support in low-resource settings.The Recoup New York project is evaluating the effectiveness of PM+ in community-based organizations, aiming to provide accessible mental health services to underserved populations.The collaboration between the Miller-Dwan Foundation, Dr. Brandon Court, and Dr. Adam Brown demonstrates the importance of community connections and partnerships in implementing and expanding mental health interventions.The work being done in the Twin Ports has the potential to serve as a model for a new behavioral and mental health workforce, demonstrating the effectiveness of capacity building strategies.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:01 Collaboration with Dr. Brandon Kohrt and Dr. Adam Brown 03:25 Work with Scalable Mental Health and Problem Management Plus (PM+) 07:47 Bringing PM+ to New York City 10:30 Recoup New York Project 15:07 Other Organizations and Initiatives 22:45 Possibilities for the Work in the Twin Ports 26:06 Multiplying Community Healing 27:53 Closing Remarks www.mdfoundation.org

    29 min

  12. 02/20/2024

    History + Mission of the Miller-Dwan Foundation

    The conversation explores the history and mission of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, the strategic planning process, the HopeX initiative, the role of the Senior Mental Health Advisor, the multi-phase approach, and the future vision for the foundation. Takeaways: The Miller-Dwan Foundation has a strong history of generosity and philanthropy, with a focus on healthcare, including physical rehabilitation, burn care, and behavioral health care.The foundation embarked on a strategic planning process to address the mental health crisis in the community, resulting in the HopeX initiative, which aims to provide care options and programming to meet the needs of individuals at different stages of mental health.The Senior Mental Health Advisor plays a crucial role in guiding the foundation's efforts in behavioral health, bringing expertise in clinical, managerial, and administrative aspects.The foundation emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and collaboration to effectively address the complex issues of mental health and substance use.The future vision for the Miller-Dwan Foundation includes a noticeable downward trend in emergency services utilization, the creation of a supportive community, and the potential for global impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and History of the Miller-Dwan Foundation 09:41 Strategic Planning and the HopeX Initiative 14:08 The Role of the Senior Mental Health Advisor 18:00 Multi-Phase Approach and Community Partnerships 25:50 Future Vision for the Miller-Dwan Foundationwww.mdfoundation.org

    28 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The need for mental health solutions is greater than ever. The Force for Good is a podcast that breaks down topics related to our own mental health and the well-being of the communities we belong to and love. Episodes feature insightful conversations, personal experiences, expertise, and strategies covering a wide range of mental health themes. Tune in as host Rick Gertsema, Senior Mental Health Adviser at the Miller-Dwan Foundation, and his guests share transformative information that you can apply in your life. 

Information

  • Creator
    Miller-Dwan Foundation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Miller-Dwan Foundation
  • Show Website
    The Force for Good