Psych Health and Safety Podcast USA

Dive into Episode #164 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. M. Gloria Gonzales-Morales, the Director of the Worker Well Being Lab. The lab is dedicated to advancing research on worker wellbeing within organizational systems. It emphasizes diversity, belonging, and dismantling oppressive structures such as heteropatriarchy, racism, social inequality, and xenophobia. The Worker Wellbeing Lab is part of a growing movement to redefine occupational health and safety beyond physical hazards, emphasizing psychosocial and cultural dimensions of work. Its feminist lens makes it unique in challenging systemic inequities while promoting flourishing and belonging in organizations

Dive into Episode #163 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Peuge Benjamin, a solutions engineer and mental health advocate who focuses on the mental health challenges that impact Black Men. A Solutions Engineer is uniquely positioned to bridge technology and human need. Mr. Benjamin uses the skills and knowledge he has gained in the technology industry to help design systems that foster mental health and safe communities where black men can not only survive. When it comes to Black male mental health, their role isn’t clinical; it’s about building systems that make care accessible, trustworthy, and culturally relevant. They can design platforms that connect men to culturally competent therapists and peer networks, ensuring the interface feels safe and intuitive. They can integrate data from surveys, wearables, and community programs to highlight stress patterns and track outcomes, providing advocates with the evidence they need to push for change.

Dive into Episode #162 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Marie Milord, an experienced occupational health and safety professional, founder of SoMat Culture Consulting, who has developed a program call "Bold and Safe" which among it's goals seeks to teach psychological health and safety to young people before they go into the workforce. Based on her lived experience in heavy industry safety programs, Ms. Milord helps to arm young people with some of the skills that she has learned over time, many of them the hard way. With a program goal of not only helping them identify, assess, and mitigate psychosocial hazards in the workplace but also helping them build the resilience needed to succeed in cases where the hazard cannot be eliminated. The skills and awareness from the program help develop resilience, empathy, and leadership. Ultimately, these skills prepare young people to create healthier schools, workplaces, and communities. And most importantly, the program plants the seed that safety isn’t only about avoiding physical or psychological harm, it’s about fostering environments where everyone can thrive.

Dive into Episode #161 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Saara Haapanen, a former Olympic-level athlete, turned performance coach, whose neurodiversity led her on a voyage to understand how to create a universally healthy and safe space where humans can thrive despite their differences. Dr. Haapanen discusses her lived experience of ADHD, as well as her research on human physical and psychological performance factors, including psychobiosocial frameworks, to help organizations create workspaces that meet the needs of the humans they have gathered to do the work.

Dive into Episode #160 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Heliana Ramirez, a licensed clinical social worker, trauma therapist, and nationally recognized expert in workplace trauma recovery, and a guest from episode 96 of the podcast. In this episode, Dr. Ramirez shares her research on the challenges pregnant workers face in the workplace. The research also served as the basis for her contribution to a new book, “Corporate Blues,” which includes a series of stories about women in Toxic workplaces.

Dive into Episode #159 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Abdias Torres, a Risk and Safety Professional whose perspective on health and safety is forged by lived experience in the Oil and gas industry that includes several serious injuries and fatalities. These experiences have left an impression that informs his view that injury and death in the workplace should not be normalized as “the cost of doing business.” Given the reality that serious safety issues impact not only the people directly affected, but also many who are indirectly affected as witnesses. In these situations, the psychosocial hazard is witnessing the harm inflicted on others and the reality that these occurrences leave lasting echoes that affect the individual exposed in the long term.

Dive into Episode #158 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest retired Chief Fire Officer Tiffanye Wesley, the Chair of the Black Chief Officers’ Committee. Chief Wesley is the first female chair of the BCOC in its 40-year history and assumes this role after a string of barrier-breaking accomplishments over a 30-year career in the fire rescue service. Chief Wesley shares some of the challenges that she experienced and overcame in a system not designed for her success.

Dive into Episode #157 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest, Ms. Camay McClure-Dunn, a career legal professional, speaker, and consultant. Without question, the psychosocial hazard that we know the most about is workplace bullying. Despite what we know about the harm that workplace bullying can cause, the behaviour is still pervasive in many organizations across the United States, and targets of this behavior will often need support to process their experience and exposure. Ms. Camay works with the targets of workplace bullying to help them not only survive and recover from their exposure but also to help reframe the experience in ways that not only help them survive but also help them thrive in their long-term recovery efforts, including recognizing the “power of their exposure.”

Dive into Episode #156 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Peter Kelly, one of the global pioneers of the concept of psychological health and safety and a former regulator in the Health and Safety Executive office in the United Kingdom. Peter was one of the early contributors to the UK workplace mental health standards in 2004, which were the foundation for standards in Canada and Australia. He was also involved in the development of ISO 45003. His recent venture, “Being Real,” is a company focused on workplace mental health. He’s also the host of the “Being Real” podcast. In this episode he shares some of his knowledge and expertise. He also takes us behind the process that is taken to establish a set of enforceable standards relative to workplace mental health.

Dive into Episode #155 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Felix Boachie, on the founder of a new effort to create a safe space for Black Occupational/Environmental Health and Safety Professionals. BOLD or Black in OOEH Leading Disctinctively will have its first event, the BOLD Summit, in Atlanta on October 23 -24, 2025, and is still in its infancy in terms of its future. This conversation delves into many of the drivers behind such an effort, many of which are rooted in some of the unique challenges that Black professionals face in any profession in America, especially in the current environment.

Dive into Episode #154 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Adam Nemer, a former healthcare CFO whose lived experience led him to an awareness of the importance and the business case for focusing on workplace mental health. In this episode, Adam shares not only his own deeply personal story of dealing with mental illness, but he also shares data about how a focus on workplace mental health addresses several business imperatives. Investing in workplace mental health isn't just an ethical responsibility; it's a strategic business decision that directly impacts productivity, retention, and overall company performance.

Dive into Episode #153 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Lawanda Hall, a risk and insurance professional, about the importance of understanding and managing risk of all kinds as a strategy for overall organizational effectiveness and sustainability. While many risk management programs and professionals focus on the risks that affect the organization, they can at times underestimate and under-focus on risks that impact the human beings in the organization. When most people hear the word “risk,” they tend to think of physical hazards like chemicals, flammable materials, slippery floors, faulty wiring, or heavy machinery. Interestingly, some people don’t have a fundamental understanding of what risk is. Without this understanding, it is challenging to manage any risk, whether it be physical or psychosocial. Ms. Hall believes that it is essential to focus on all aspects of risk, including those that involve the people in the organization, if for no other reason than the organization can not exist without people.

Dive into Episode #152 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Carl Knight, the Chief Safety Officer for the Baltimore City Fire Department. Deputy Chief Knight is not only responsible for the safety program for the 1600 members of the fire rescue department, but he is also an active member of the department’s dive rescue team. During the team’s response to a major incident, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024, after being struck by a container ship, and the January 2025 plane crash near the DC Airport. Chief Knight has developed a sense of calm that is noticeably superior to that of other team members. This mindset is not only present during specific events and incidents, but extends over into how he lives his life.

Dive into Episode #151 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guests Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson, Dr. Andrew Holter, and Mat Jeanius. The panel for this episode will approach the concept of psychological health and safety from an “Organizational Theraupic Psychology” lens, as a mental health professional that deals with both organizations and the individual within those organizations. - Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson is a returning guest from Episode 24. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist and corporate mental health consultant. - Dr. Andrew Holter is a returning guest from Episode 9. He is an organizational psychologist and manager in a public health organization in the Washington, DC area. - Mat Jeanius is a returning guest from Episode 132. He is a Marriage and Family Therapist who focuses on the wellness of black males. The panel discusses the current state of psychological health and safety in the United States, offering insights into the future.

Celebrating our 150th Episode with an Exclusive from PHSCON 2025!To mark this monumental milestone, we are giving you a front-row seat to a powerhouse conversation straight from the main stage at the Psychological Health and Safety Conference 2025.In this special feature presentation, host Dr. I. David Daniels is joined by global psychosocial safety leader Kana’e Dyas to explore the critical "what, why, and how" of inclusive work design. They go beyond the buzzwords to provide a practical blueprint for leaders in OHS, HR, and management who are dedicated to creating genuinely supportive and psychologically healthy workplaces.In This Landmark Episode, You Will Discover:Actionable Strategies: Learn how to move from theory to practice in designing work environments that accommodate a diverse range of employee needs and perspectives.Psychosocial Hazard Mitigation: Uncover methods for identifying and addressing psychosocial risks rooted in a lack of inclusion, in alignment with ISO 45003 principles.The Power of Co-Design: Understand why involving employees in the design process is critical for fostering authentic equity and belonging.Overcoming Barriers: Address common obstacles that prevent organizations from building a true culture of respect, collaboration, and workplace mental health.Global Perspectives: Hear insights from two world-class experts on the cutting edge of psychological health and safety.This isn't just a discussion; it's an essential guide for anyone committed to the future of workplace mental health and safety.Featured in this Episode:Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS: Host of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, Founder/CEO of ID2 Solutions, and author of “Psychosocial Hazards Are Real.”linkedin.com/in/i-david-daniels-phd-cert-safety-director-0bb50b29/Kana’e Dyas: Workplace Support Manager - Psychosocial Safety, Wellbeing and Respect at Work for Anglo American, and a multiple award-winning leader in trauma-informed psychosocial management.linkedin.com/in/kanaedyas/Prefer to watch?To see the full presentation live from the stage, you can watch the video version of this landmark episode on the FlourishDX YouTube channel.Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/FlourishDX

Dive into Episode #149 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast with host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Simmone Bowe, leadership development consultant and founder of Limitless Life, a boutique training and HR consulting firm helping business leaders refine people strategy, performance improvement, leadership development, executive and career coaching, and mentorship.Organizational limits can become psychosocial hazards when they create stress, uncertainty, or negatively impact employees' mental well-being. Here’s how:• High Job Demands: Excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, and constant pressure can lead to chronic stress and burnout.• Lack of Control: When employees have little say in how they perform their work or are given limited decision-making authority, it can lead to frustration and helplessness.• Poorly Managed Organizational Change: Frequent restructuring, downsizing, or mergers without clear communication can cause anxiety and insecurity.• Unclear Roles and Expectations: Conflicting responsibilities or vague job descriptions can lead to confusion and stress.• Limited Support: A lack of social support from colleagues or supervisors can make employees feel isolated and vulnerable.• Inadequate Reward and Recognition: Feeling undervalued or underappreciated can lead to demotivation and resentment.Ms. Bowe’s expertise in training, development, HR, and leadership provides a unique perspective on how individuals and organizations can break through these limits to become truly limitless.

Dive into Episode #148 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Gloria Hartley, the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech University. She is also the child of immigrants, a veteran of the United States Navy, and has spent over a decade in and around the human resource space in both the private and public sectors. One of her professional goals has been to convert conversations about Civil and Human Rights into practical language and steps that people can take to protect workers and the organization. Civil rights and psychosocial safety are deeply interconnected. Civil rights ensure that individuals are protected from discrimination and have equal access to opportunities, which is fundamental for creating a safe and inclusive environment. Psychosocial safety, however, refers to the psychological and social conditions that allow individuals to feel safe, respected, and valued in their communities and workplaces. Individuals are more likely to experience psychosocial safety when civil rights are upheld because they are protected from discrimination, harassment, and other forms of harm. This creates an environment where people can express themselves freely, participate fully in society, and feel a sense of belonging. Conversely, when civil rights are violated, it can lead to a lack of psychosocial safety, resulting in stress, anxiety, and other adverse mental health outcomes. LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriamhartley/

Dive into Episode #147 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and (Episode 41) returning guest Dr. Joe Grasso, a Clinical Psychologist, Workplace Mental Health Strategist, and Vice President of Workforce Transformation at Lyra Health. Dr. Grasso will be a featured speaker at PHSCON 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Grasso will share his assessment of the State of Psych Health and Safety in the United States during this episode. While the USA has been a decade and a half, there are clear signs that organizations understand the imperative of addressing workplace mental health in a systemic way.

Dive into Episode #146 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Monique Parker, 2025 Senior Vice President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) talks about her career as a safety professional, her ascension to President of the ASSP in 2026 and the future of the safety profession, including her view regarding the importance that psychological health and safety will play. The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) was founded on March 25, 1911. It was initially established as the United Association of Casualty Inspectors in response to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, a tragic workplace disaster that killed 146 garment workers. The organization later changed its name to the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) in 1914. Then, it adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect the evolving nature of the safety profession. After over twenty years in the safety profession, Ms. Parker will be become the 11th woman in the history of the ASSP and the first black woman to serve as president of the society.

Dive into Episode #145 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Louise Esola, a workers' compensation-focused journalist with Business Insurance, a role she has held for nearly 20 years. Psychological injuries are often more challenging to quantify than physical injuries, and the compensation awarded can depend on factors such as the severity of the condition, its impact on the employee's ability to perform their job, and the evidence provided to support the claim. Workers' compensation is handled differently in every state in the United States and even within the same state when it comes to psychological injuries. Ms. Esola will share her perspective on this important topic, which she has gained from the many worker's compensation stories and cases that she has covered over the years.