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Keeping Ashland Healthy
Keeping Ashland Healthy
Author: WMAN AM & FM (WMAN-AM)
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The “Keeping Ashland Healthy Podcast” is devoted to mental health topics affecting the Ashland, Ohio community. It’s an education tool covering a broad spectrum of issues related to the mental health field. The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County provides support, direction, and resources to guide you to the help you need. Learn more at ashlandmhrb.org.
117 Episodes
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Coming up on Keeping Ashland Healthy, David & Alyse take you inside the 17th Annual Pat Risser RSVP Conference—where experts and community leaders explore the powerful connection between lifestyle and mental health. From sleep and nutrition to movement, mindfulness, and even therapy dogs, we’re talking about simple habits that can transform your health. If you want practical ways to feel better, think clearer, and live healthier—this episode is for you. To register go to: www.ashlandmhrb.org or call us at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: March 9, 2026)
On the next episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, I sit down with Jennifer Wininger, Director of International Student Services at Ashland University and creator of the idea of “Courageous Connections.” Jennifer shares how stepping beyond our comfort zones—across cultures, languages, and perspectives—can strengthen mental and emotional health. We also explore the unique challenges international students face and how meaningful relationships help them thrive. It’s an inspiring conversation about belonging, resilience, and the power of connection. Questions? Contact Jennifer at iss@ashland.edu or visit their website. You can contact the Board at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: February 19, 2026)
There’s more happening at Ashland University than you might realize — especially when it comes to helping people live well. In today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, I’m joined by Janel Molnar, Director of Recreation and Wellness at AU. We talk about the wide range of programs, activities, and resources designed to support the well-being of students, faculty, and staff — from fitness and recreation to building healthy habits that last a lifetime. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Questions? Contact the Board at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: February 18, 2026)
Farming feeds our state — but who supports the farmer? In our next episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Board member Connie Butler joins me to explore the hidden stresses of agricultural life, the power of community, and the strengths farmers already carry. It’s a conversation about land, loneliness, and belonging — and how we can care for the people who care for the soil. Listen to Keeping Ashland Healthy on the iHeart App or wherever you get your podcasts. Questions? Contact the Board at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: February 5, 2026)
On the next episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, I’m joined by Hunter Edwards from Ashland University’s Psychological Counseling Services. We’re kicking off a new podcast series focused on student mental health—highlighting campus initiatives, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking. We’ll talk about what students are facing today, how counseling services are responding, and why these conversations matter beyond campus. You can listen to Keeping Ashland Healthy on the iHeart App or wherever you get your podcasts. Questions? Contact the Board at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: January 28, 2026)
Ever check the news and end up feeling anxious, exhausted, or on edge – even when nothing bad is happening to you? That’s doomscrolling. Bad news has always existed, but smartphones & other devices have changed how often the human brain encounters it. In our next episode, we unpack key points from a piece by Glanze Patrick on why constant negative news affects the brain, disrupts sleep, and wears down mental health – and what actually helps. Join us for Keeping Ashland Healthy, where mental health starts with understanding how our world shapes us. You can listen to Keeping Ashland Healthy on the iHeart App or wherever you get your podcasts. Questions? Contact the Board at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: January 22, 2026)
We’ve been told for years that depression and anxiety are caused by chemical imbalances – but that story doesn’t hold up. In this episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, we explore why psychiatric diagnoses aren’t diseases, what the science actually says, and why reframing mental “illness” as human distress could change how we care for people and our community. Read Dr. Shedler’s piece HERE and check out the Board’s guiding document, “Our Human Community,” by visiting our webpage at www.ashlandmhrb.org/ or clicking HERE. Questions? Contact the Board at 419.281.3139. (Record Date: January 15, 2026)
What if depression isn’t about what’s wrong with us – but about how we make sense of our lives? In our next episode, we explore a powerful and challenging idea from psychologist Dr. Roger McFillin: that meaning, purpose, and perspective may matter more than we think. Join us as we talk honestly about depression, suffering, and what we don’t talk about enough. Read Dr. McFillin’s piece HERE and contact the Board at 419.281.3139 or by visiting the website at www.ashlandmhrb.org/(Record Date: January 8, 2026)
What if the key to better mental health isn’t just therapy or medication—but community? Harvard researchers are studying what helps people truly flourish, and one of the strongest factors might surprise you. In our next episode, we explore Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program and why faith, belonging, and purpose matter for health and longevity. Plus, we highlight Rebecca McLaughlin’s research-based case that church involvement can—literally—save lives. Don’t miss this important conversation on human flourishing. Learn more about Harvard’s program at https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/ and Rebecca McLaughlin’s book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15W2lpQCseA. To contact the Board, call us at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: December 17, 2025)
On the next episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, we’re talking about something that transforms mental health at every age: building meaning and purpose in everyday life. I’ll share ten practical strategies you can use to feel more grounded, more connected, and more hopeful, even during stressful seasons. And remember, if you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available. Call our local 24/7 Crisis Helpline at 419-289-6111. You can reach the Board at 419.281.3139 or online at: www.ashlandmhrb.org/(Record Date: December 4, 2025)
On the next episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, we’re talking about something a lot of us feel this time of year: Holiday stress. David shares ten simple, practical ways to slow down, set healthy boundaries, stay connected, and keep your routines steady—so the season feels lighter and more manageable. And if the holidays bring up heavier emotions, we’ll talk about how to navigate those too, and where to turn for support. Join us for helpful tips to make this season a little calmer and a lot healthier. Contact the Board at 419-281-3139.(Record Date: November 19, 2025)
On today’s episode, David celebrates the recent success of the levy and talks about the new and expanded programming the levy funds will bring. Thank you for voting YES and Continuing the Caring in Ashland County! The Board can be reached by visiting our website at www.ashlandmhrb.org/ or by phone at: 419.281.3139.(Record Date: November 6, 2025)
On today’s episode, Stacy Merryweather and liaisons Tammy Hoverstock, Ted Lilley, and Robin Hawkins discuss their role in helping youth and families throughout Ashland County. Stacy reviews the program's history, and the liaisons discuss what a “typical day” looks like in a liaison's life. For additional information about the program, visit the Appleseed website or call 419.281.3716. The Board can be reached at 419.281.3139.(Record Date: October 24, 2025)
On today’s episode, return guest and art therapist Candace Ressler joins me for an inspiring conversation about an upcoming art show on November 3rd. We explore how art therapy helps people express their emotions, find healing, and start meaningful conversations about life’s challenges. Whether you’re an artist, a helper, or just curious about creative ways to support mental health, this episode is for you! The “Seeds of Hope” art show will occur at the Ashland Library on November 3rd from 6-8 pm. This is a free event! Contact the library at 419.289.8188 for more details and the Board at 419.281.3139 if you have any questions.(Record Date: October 10, 2025)
On today’s episode, David discusses the Board’s upcoming luncheon and keynote speaker Steve Paramore. Steve is the superintendent of Ashland City Schools. Steve will discuss the impact of the School-Community Liaison program from his perspective. Register today for the Board’s Annual Luncheon by calling the Board at 419.281.3139 or online at www.ashlandmhrb.org. The price is $25. The program starts at Noon and will end by 1:15 pm.(Record Date: October 14, 2025)
On today’s episode, the Boss is joined by Ashland University Wellness Team Members Sarah Watson and Sammy Young to discuss this year’s suicide prevention & awareness walk on Sept. 28, 2025. Sarah & Sammy also talk about efforts on campus to encourage young people to participate and be more aware of the issues of wellness and suicide prevention. Sarah and David break down Sarah’s time at AU as she prepares to graduate and hand off her wellness coordinator responsibilities to Sammy. For more information about the Wellness Team check them out on Facebook at wellness@ashland.edu or their website at www.ashland.edu/recreation-wellness To register for the walk on September 28th or to learn more, contact the Board at www.ashlandmhrb.org/ or call 419.281.3139.(Record Date: September 18, 2025)
On today’s episode, Counselor and Co-Occurring Program Coordinator Jeremy Smith joins me to discuss the upcoming Rally for Recovery at Brookside Park. If you or someone you love is affected by substance use, we invite you to join Appleseed Community Mental Health Center for the Light the Way Recovery Rally—a day of hope, healing, and connection. Tuesday, September 23rd, from 3:30 to 7:00 PM at the Pavilions at Brookside Park Main in Ashland. Meet local support resources, honor loved ones, enjoy free refreshments, fun and games for all ages, special giveaways, and inspiring testimonies every 45 minutes. Stand with our community and help light the way to recovery. For more information, contact the Board at www.ashlandmhrb.org/ or call 419.281.3139.(Record Date: September 11, 2025)
The Mental Health & Recovery Board will give away five unique animal-themed stress relievers at this year’s fair. Each day of the fair, the Board will provide information about local mental health and substance use resources. Come by and see us in the Gold Merchants building anytime. For more information and a listing of all the Board’s upcoming events, visit us at www.ashlandmhrb.org/ or call 419.281.3139.(Record Date: September 5, 2025)
The Levy Campaign is on! Join us September 10th at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Convo for a complimentary breakfast and your chance to grab a levy yard sign. This replacement levy helps keep Ashland strong by funding school-community liaisons, crisis response, prevention in schools, and services for seniors.Want to learn more or get involved? Visit ContinueTheCaring.com or call 419-281-3139. You can also visit the Board’s website at ashlandmhrb.org. Together, we can continue the caring in Ashland!Sign up for the September 10th Levy Kickoff Breakfast Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/levy-kickoff-breakfast-tickets-1581815224919?aff=oddtdtcreator .(Record Date: August 27, 2025)
On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, David welcomes back the Prevention Gals from ACCADA. The Board funds prevention/education services in every school district. The prevention/educators talk about what surprised them last year, the dramatic increase in vaping and vape stores, and their goals for the upcoming school year. Learn more about ACCADA’s prevention programming by visiting their website (www.accada.org/) or calling them at 419.289.7675. For more information about the Board, visit us at www.ashlandmhrb.org or call us at 419.281.3139(Record Date: August 14, 2025)




