Understanding Suicide Grief and Recovery at Work: Helping Staff Cope through Effective Postvention Efforts with Dr. Ruth Riley | Ep. 40

Understanding Suicide Grief and Recovery at Work: Helping Staff Cope through Effective Postvention Efforts with Dr. Ruth Riley | Ep. 40

Join us as Dr. Ruth Riley delves into the sensitive topic of workplace suicide postvention. In this crucial discussion, we explore the support systems and guidance established to help staff cope after the suicide of a colleague. Discover vital insights and resources, including the NHS Suicide Postvention Guidance and the poignant film 'After Them,' which portrays the experiences of three NHS staff members during such difficult times. Read the NHS Postvention Guidance here and watch 'After Them'.

Alone Together: Unraveling the Ties between Isolation and Suicide with Dr. Kayla Follmer | Ep. 39

Alone Together: Unraveling the Ties between Isolation and Suicide with Dr. Kayla Follmer | Ep. 39

Have you ever felt alone in a group of people? Have you ever been shunned by work colleagues? Today we are going to explore what it’s like to be "Alone Together," and we are joined by Professor Kayla Follmer of West Virginia University, an expert in occupational health psychology. Our discussion will navigate the often-misunderstood paths of isolation at work —both intentional and unintentional—and their profound impact on suicide risk.

Bridging Ergonomics & Mental Health, Kevin Lombardo | 34

Bridging Ergonomics & Mental Health, Kevin Lombardo | 34

Explore the intersection of ergonomics and mental health in the workplace with Kevin Lombardo and Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas on the Headspace for the Workplace podcast. Discover actionable strategies for cultivating holistic employee wellbeing and fostering thriving work cultures.

Cultivating Soul-Safe Workplaces with David Galvan | 33

Cultivating Soul-Safe Workplaces with David Galvan | 33

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and David Galvan have a transformative conversation, exploring practical strategies for creating soul-safe workplaces. Gain insights into nurturing authenticity, compassion, and resilience in professional settings. Join us as we pave the way for a new paradigm of work rooted in holistic well-being and collective thriving.

Psychological Safety & Lived Experience, Christopher Wojnar | 32

Psychological Safety & Lived Experience, Christopher Wojnar | 32

Explore empowering workplace strategies with Christopher Wojnar, emphasizing psychological safety and leveraging lived experience for effective interventions. Discover actionable insights for mental health and suicide prevention.

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Breaking the Mold -- How to Navigate Management and Mental Health in Male-Dominated Industries: Interview with Simon Tyler | Ep. 30

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Breaking the Mold -- How to Navigate Management and Mental Health in Male-Dominated Industries: Interview with Simon Tyler | Ep. 30

Join us as we explore the intersection of masculinity, mental health, and professional success in traditionally male-dominated industries. In this podcast, we delve into how leveraging strengths inherent in masculinity—such as collaboration, prioritizing safety, reciprocity, perseverance, problem-solving, courage, and honor—can contribute to creating healthier work environments and driving individual and organizational growth. From sharing stories of triumph to discussing practical strategies for promoting mental well-being, in this episode I interview Simon Tyler from Australia. He offers insights and inspiration for navigating challenges, fostering resilience, and unlocking the full potential of men’s mental well-being at work.

His two key takeaways:

  1. Management engagement through leveraging workplace strengths

  2. Mitigate psychosocial hazards related to job design

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Bridging the Gap -- Generational Perspectives on Mental Health at Work: Interview with Melissa Doman | Ep. 29

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Bridging the Gap -- Generational Perspectives on Mental Health at Work: Interview with Melissa Doman | Ep. 29

At the surface level, generational differences in mental health at work are apparent as each generation brings its unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace….

In this conversation, I speak with Melissa Doman who brings a fresh take on how organizations might bridge these gaps. Her two takeaways:

  1. Move toward each other.

  2. Explore differences to find agreement.

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SPECIAL EPISODE Work-Related Suicide -- An Occupational Health & Safety Perspective: Interview with Dr. LaMontagne & Dr. King | Ep 28

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SPECIAL EPISODE Work-Related Suicide -- An Occupational Health & Safety Perspective: Interview with Dr. LaMontagne & Dr. King | Ep 28

A growing focus in the media, policy circles, and research is emerging on the correlation between work and suicide. Specifically, a growing body of robust evidence links various psychosocial working conditions and job stressors to suicide. Diverse perspectives exist on the current state of evidence concerning causality and intervention, as well as the most suitable policy and practice responses. In this podcast episode, I interview two global experts who share their views from an occupational health & safety (OH&S) standpoint concerning work-related suicide, with a primary emphasis on the potential for working conditions to serve as modifiable risk factors or protective elements in the context of suicide among the working population.

We define work-related suicide as a suicide death that is entirely or partially connected to work or working conditions. We also consider the working conditions of the individuals who died by suicide.

We discuss:

  • How is work-related suicide defined from an OH&S standpoint?

  • What are the potential work-related contributors to suicide?

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It Starts with Us -- Leading the Way to Workplace Well-being: Interview with Newton Cheng | Episode 27

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It Starts with Us -- Leading the Way to Workplace Well-being: Interview with Newton Cheng | Episode 27

Sharing vulnerabilities as a leader in the context of culture change and mental health at work can include discussing challenges faced, lessons learned, or personal growth experiences. When you are transparent and authentic about the struggles you've faced as a leader and how you've navigated them, you can create a more relatable and trusting work environment….

In this episode, I model vulnerability by sharing my embarrassing anxiety-fueled outtakes as I was fairly star-struck by my guest Newton Cheng.

Newton is a family man, a world champion powerlifter, and the Director of Health + Performance at Google.
Learn why Newton doesn’t like the saying “Bring your whole self to work.”

Newton shares these two takeaways:

  1. Vulnerability can be built like a muscle; saying: "I don't know how to be vulnerable" is being vulnerable and

  2. Start with seeing the human first — treat everyone first as just another human in a certain context.

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Leading through the Shadows — Leadership, Depression and the Perfectionist’s Paradox: Interview with Dr. Margaret Rutherford | Ep. 26

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Leading through the Shadows — Leadership, Depression and the Perfectionist’s Paradox: Interview with Dr. Margaret Rutherford | Ep. 26

This episode covers the perfectionist's paradox in leadership.

In the relentless pursuit of perfection, leaders often find themselves entangled in a web of unattainable standards. The paradox of perfectionism, touted as a virtue, becomes a silent accomplice to the insidious clutches of depression. Unveiling the facade of flawless leadership, this podcast episode explores the hidden struggles beneath the polished exterior….

My guest today is Dr. Margaret Rutherford, a clinical psychologist and the author of “Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression.” Her two actionable takeaways are:

  1. Reflect on the question, “Is your perfectionism constructive or destructive?”

  2. Get off the treadmill…

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Turning Pain into Purpose -- From Leadership Burnout to Mental Health Advocate: Interview with Justin Azbill | Ep. 24

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Turning Pain into Purpose -- From Leadership Burnout to Mental Health Advocate: Interview with Justin Azbill | Ep. 24

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports record increases in quit rates, emphasizing the urgency of addressing manager burnout.

…on one hand, stress and burnout among managers not only negatively impact organizational culture but also hinder their ability to foster employee engagement in a highly competitive labor market. On the other hand, the manager’s voice in the workplace mental health movement is essential to it’s success.

In this podcast, I interview Justin Azbill, the Director of National Environmental Health and Safety for Milwaukee Tool and we talk about his experiences with life-threatening burnout and how he turned that pain into the purpose of helping others. His two takeaways for addressing burnout:

  • Be proactive, not reactive.

  • Start and end on a positive note.

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How to Harness the Power of the Whole Brain -- Understanding Neuroplasticity to Change Patterns in Life and Leadership: Interview with Sue Stock | Ep 23

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How to Harness the Power of the Whole Brain -- Understanding Neuroplasticity to Change Patterns in Life and Leadership: Interview with Sue Stock | Ep 23

In neuroscience we often say “what fires together, wires together.”

Imagine your brain is like a big network of roads. These roads are made up of tiny parts called neurons. Neurons are like messengers that help your brain send and receive information. When you learn something new or experience something, like riding a bike or learning a new word, certain neurons in your brain become active…

In this episode, I speak with Sue Stock, an Executive Coach with expertise in neuro-transformation. She shares these two actionable takeaways:

Tip #1 Metaphors challenge the mind

Tip #2 Cross the river and shift your thinking

Who Takes Care of the People Who Take Care of the People? Supporting Our Mental Health Caregivers at Work: Interview with David Otey | Episode 21

Who Takes Care of the People Who Take Care of the People? Supporting Our Mental Health Caregivers at Work: Interview with David Otey | Episode 21

The bias and discrimination associated with mental health can also affect caregivers, leading to feelings of isolation and shame. Caregivers often play a role in advocating for their loved ones, which can involve challenging stigma and discrimination in society, as well as advocating for better mental health services and resources.

In this interview, I chat with David Otey about his journey through depression and his role as a caregiver for others. We highlight these three action steps:

  1. Normalize asking for help — for a person experiencing distress as well as for the caregiver

  1. Make seeking professional help a first step, not a last resort.

  2. In times of change, ask one simple question that leaders can ask to help people get unstuck.