4:12 Connections

In this episode of 4:12 Connections, Heather is joined by attorney and empath Shannan Collier Stalvey, Esq. for a thoughtful conversation about communication, emotional regulation, and the assumptions that shape how we see others and ourselves.The episode explores how emotions show up in everyday interactions, why behavior is often a form of communication, and how conscious and unconscious bias can influence understanding. Together, they discuss the balance between empathy, boundaries, and accountability, and why reframing perspective is essential for meaningful connection.Heather also shares the inspiration behind Reframing Your Perspective, an improv-based exercise designed to challenge assumptions and remind us that people are variables, not formulas. This episode invites listeners to pause, reflect, and approach relationships with greater clarity, compassion, and curiosity.

In this episode, Chase Sanger shares his mission to advocate for veteran mental health after his own experience with traumatic brain injury and medical retirement from the Army. Hear how the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center gave him the tools to heal and how he now works to raise awareness and support for veterans facing invisible wounds. This conversation is a reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength and that recovery is possible.Resources & Support for Veterans:SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center – A specialized program for veterans and service members dealing with traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and related challenges. Learn more or start the intake process: shepherd.org/treatment/services-clinics/shareConnect with Chase Sanger – Follow Chase’s work, advocacy, and community initiatives: linktr.ee/chasesangerVeteran Crisis Line – If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or visit veteranscrisisline.netFor more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.⁠Contact Us⁠.  

In this episode, Heather and Josh dive deep into the many forms of communication; from body language and bilingual love stories to marketing and emotional expression through art. Josh shares his experience living in Honduras, surviving a medical crisis, and building a business rooted in meaningful connection. A thoughtful exploration of how we speak, listen, and understand each other.🔗 Learn more about http://Awedynamic.comFor more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

Welcome to Season 6 of 4:12 Connections! In this powerful kickoff episode, Heather Croas and co-host Larry sit down with Brent Rittersdorf , local real estate agent, keynote speaker, and leader of Cobb County’s most dynamic networking group. Brent shares his journey from hospitality to real estate, the evolution of his keynote speech Ten for Ten, and the inspiration behind his new book The Point Is in the Purpose. Together, they explore the deeper meaning of purpose, how it shifts over time, and why true leadership is rooted in service and encouragement. Whether you're building a business, navigating life transitions, or seeking clarity in your own journey, this episode offers heartfelt insights and practical wisdom to help you connect with your purpose.🔗 Learn more about Brent and his book at http://www.10for10.netFor more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

In the Season 5 finale of 4:12 Connections, Heather and Larry reflect on a year of transformation, storytelling, and learning to navigate life’s challenges. From masking and burnout to finding purpose and building community, this candid conversation explores what it means to grow, stretch, and stay anchored… even when things get messy. A powerful wrap-up to a season rooted in real talk and resilience.📩 For more information about The Green Phoenix or to be a guest on a future episode, contact Heather Croas at: recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

In Part 2 of our annual Mental Health and the Media series, Heather Croas welcomes Jennifer and Micah Grawey to explore how television portrays mental health. From animated standouts like Bluey and Adventure Time to true crime and dramas, they unpack what TV gets right, where it goes wrong, and why representation matters.📩 For more information about The Green Phoenix or to be a guest on a future episode, contact Heather Croas at: recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

In this deeply moving episode, the Fighting the Darkness Panel Discussion on Suicide Prevention—presented by 22one Realty Co. and Crawford Street Designs—brings together a courageous group of voices to share their lived experiences and professional insights. Moderator Larry Grawey is joined by Morgan Pickering (First Responder), Jessica Alexander (Therapist), Jennifer Greenberg (Suicide Loss Survivor), Jennifer Grawey (Pastor), and Heather Croas (Suicide Attempt Survivor). Together, they explore the emotional toll of mental illness, the complexity of suicidal ideation, and the healing power of connection. This episode is a testament to resilience, empathy, and the importance of speaking the unspeakable.📩 For more information about The Green Phoenix or to be a guest on a future episode, contact Heather Croas at: recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

In this deeply moving episode, Heather and Larry sit down with Dave Griffith to explore the quiet strength behind a life shaped by caregiving, loss, and unwavering faith. From growing up as a military kid to navigating decades of marriage through mental illness and chronic health challenges, Dave shares his story with raw honesty and grace. Together, they unpack the emotional toll of long-term suffering, the struggle with resentment, and the power of surrender.This episode is a testament to enduring love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the kind of faith that holds steady through life’s unseen battles.📩 For more information about The Green Phoenix or to be a guest on a future episode, contact Heather Croas at: recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

In this episode of 4:12 Connections, physical therapist and athletic trainer Scott C. McInturff, PT, DPT, ATC joins the conversation to explore the deeper layers of healing—beyond just muscles and movement. With over two decades of experience, Scott shares how his approach to recovery blends science, empathy, and a deep respect for the mind-body connection.Together, we talk about:Why “creative walking” is more than just a limpThe emotional and psychological layers of physical painRethinking the 0–10 pain scaleFunctional goals vs. time-based recoveryHow trauma, beliefs, and past experiences shape healingThe need for more mental health awareness in physical therapyWhether you're a patient, a provider, or someone navigating your own recovery, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a few laughs along the way.📩 For more information about The Green Phoenix or to be a guest on a future episode, contact Heather Croas at: recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

Join us on 4:12 Connections for a heartfelt and humorous conversation with author and mental health advocate LJ Daniel. In this episode, Bree shares her journey as a writer, wife, and caregiver navigating life with neurodivergent loved ones. Together, we explore the challenges of masking, the emotional toll of caregiving, and how storytelling—both fictional and autobiographical—can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.Bree also introduces her debut novel, 𝑰’𝒎 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑴𝒆., Book One in The Spiral Duet, a romance that blends mental health representation, open communication, and a unique love story that defies convention.📚 Find the book:Amazon eBookBarnes & NobleSigned CopiesAdd on Goodreads📩 Connect with LJ Daniel: ljdanielwrites.com | Instagram For more information about The Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode, please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email.📩 Contact Us: Heather Croas – recovery.artist2019@gmail.com

Join us on 4:12 Connections for an engaging conversation with Pastor Brandon Nichols of Mercy Hill Church. In this episode, Brandon shares his personal journey in ministry, discussing the evolving role of the church in supporting mental health and the strength found in community partnerships within Kennesaw. Learn about the importance of empathy, listening, and practical care in addressing sensitive topics. For more information or to connect with Brandon, you can reach him at Brandon@mercyhill.com.For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

In this episode of 4:12 Connections, we delve into a conversation with Emily Spellman, who offers a unique perspective on community and connection in Adairsville, GA. Emily's work at Living Way Academy and her involvement with Adairsville Coffee Co. highlight the ways in which strong relationships and a sense of belonging can contribute to mental health and resilience. Tune in to hear Emily's thoughts on the power of connection and its impact on overall well-being.For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

Join us on 4:12 Connections for an authentic conversation with Kennedy as she shares her journey of faith and the unexpected connections sparked by a shared love for coffee. Hear Kennedy's personal insights on finding her place and the meaningful experiences gained through serving in her church and her past role as a barista. Kennedy offers a down-to-earth perspective on navigating life and simply doing her best, reminding us of the power of everyday connections.

Step into the heart of connection and expression with the audio from our 4th Annual Words Are Hard Event, recorded live on May 17, 2025. Focused on "Art as a Means of Expression and Self-Care: Sharing Stories of Mental Health", this episode brings you the raw honesty and vibrant spirit of the day. Hear incredible moments from our open mic, where participants bravely shared their lived experiences through creative expression. Immerse yourself in the discussions from our expert Q&A panel, as they explore the profound impact of mental health and the transformative power of art through the lens of 'ID Stolen,' 'Fighting the Darkness,' and 'Spark of Hope'. This is more than just an event; it's a testament to how art helps us connect, heal, and share our stories.For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

We welcome Morgan Pickering, a trauma specialist and certified peer counselor, to discuss the critical need for trauma-informed care within the public service system. Morgan shares her unique perspective as a first responder with lived experience, highlighting the importance of crisis intervention, harm reduction, and efforts to decriminalize mental health challenges.Morgan Pickering, a Gainesville/Hall County native, graduated from Lanier Technical College's EMS program in 2012. Starting her EMS career in Hall County in 2015, she transitioned to the mental health field in 2019 and in 2023, joined NAMI Hall County and its Steering Committee. Now living in Pickens County with her family, Morgan retired from ambulance service in August 2021 to focus on EMS education. She currently serves as a National Level LEO/EMS/Fire Educator and a Trauma Informed Mental Health Specialist. Equipped with seemingly countless certifications, she specializes in trauma studies, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and harm reduction. Morgan established her own counseling office in 2023, collaborating with her husband, a Christian Counselor. Committed to improving crisis response and understanding trauma in mental health crises, she works with various organizations and volunteers with law enforcement and mental health support groups. In late 2024, Morgan founded a Crisis Intervention enhancement course, Trauma Informed Care for Crisis Intervention (TIC4CIT), to equip first responders with in-depth knowledge of trauma /PTSD for de escalation practices and rapport improvements as well as tangible resources to utilize and equip the public that is served. In addition to Peer Counseling and Christian Counseling, Pickering Support Services, LLC offers an array of training options for the general public and first responder agencies, including, but not limited to, Trauma Informed Care for Crisis Intervention (TIC4CIT), Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Fire/EMS, Basic Life Support/CPR/First Aid, Community Resilience Model (CRM), as well as free trainings offered in collaboration with NAMI Georgia including, but not limited to; Crisis Intervention Training - Youth, Ending The Silence, In Our Own Voice, Share Your Story w/ Law Enforcement (SYSLE), NAMI Frontline Wellness Stronger Together Workshop for Fire Couples, and 1 on 1 Peer Support Leadership training. For questions or to schedule an appointment or training you may contact: Morgan Pickering mpickering112213@gmail.compickeringcounseling@gmail.commorganp.namihallga@gmail.comFor more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

We're hanging out with Tanyel Aviles again, and this time, we're diving deep into the heart of Kennesaw! Get ready for an energetic conversation about her work, the city's unique community spirit, and the importance of fostering connections. Join us for a fun and insightful discussion.For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

Join us as we talk with poet Deanne Repose Oaks for a chat about turning pain into poetry, finding your voice through art, and why it's totally okay to be your weird self. We're talking adoption, dyslexia, and how creativity can help you navigate life's messy moments. Get ready for some honest talk about mental health, social struggles, and the power of finding your own unique way to express yourself.If you’d like to connect with Deanna Repose Oaks, including where to find her books, please be sure to check our her Linktree.For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

We all communicate differently, but do we truly understand how those differences impact our interactions and even our mental well-being? Join us for a conversation with Tanyel Aviles, Business Recruitment and Retention Manager for the City of Kennesaw, as we explore the fascinating world of diverse communication styles. We'll discuss how these variations can lead to misunderstandings, and how recognizing them can foster healthier connections and improve mental clarity. We'll have a relaxed conversation that is useful for everyone.For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

Let's talk about the importance of having "your people." This week, we're joined by Tina Spellman for a candid conversation about how community impacts our mental well-being. We'll discuss everything from finding your tribe to building stronger relationships. Join us for a relatable and inspiring episode! For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.  

Join us on 4:12 Connections as we welcome special guest Jamese Beauford, the Women’s Business Center Director at Greater Wealth Works. In this powerful episode, we delve into the critical topics of mental health, the importance of community, and the rise of suicide rates in the post-COVID world.  Jamese shares her insights and expertise, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges we face and the resources available to support individuals and families. We discuss the lingering effects of the pandemic, the impact on mental well-being, and the vital role community plays in fostering resilience and connection.  This conversation is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand and address these pressing issues. Tune in for an open and honest dialogue about mental health, hope, and healing.For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.Contact Us.