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Just Stay--A Mental Health Podcast
Just Stay--A Mental Health Podcast
Author: Kenzie Erikson & Brandee Gordo - Mental Health Advocates
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Description
Just Stay is a raw and heartfelt podcast about the realities of grief, mental health, and resilience. Hosted by a mother navigating life after the suicide of her son and her close friend facing her own battle with depression, this podcast is a space for honest conversations, shared struggles, and hope.
Through personal stories, expert insights, and candid discussions, Just Stay seeks to break the silence around mental health, offer support to those who feel alone, and remind listeners that even in the darkest moments, there is still a reason to just stay.
Through personal stories, expert insights, and candid discussions, Just Stay seeks to break the silence around mental health, offer support to those who feel alone, and remind listeners that even in the darkest moments, there is still a reason to just stay.
40 Episodes
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In this heartfelt interview, 16-year-old Tatiana shares her personal journey with mental health, coping strategies, and the importance of open conversations about mental well-being among youth. Discover her insights on overcoming anxiety, supporting peers, and advocating for mental health awareness.
This episode explores resilience in the face of adversity, personal growth through grief, and spiritual maturity. The hosts share their journey of overcoming challenges with podcast platform issues, personal life changes, and deep reflections on faith and peace.
In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, we sit down with Melissa Schrade, a board member of Community Suicide Prevention (CSP) in Southeastern Idaho.
Melissa shares the mission and purpose behind CSP — an organization dedicated to education, awareness, and support in suicide prevention efforts within our community.
Melissa bravely shares her personal story. Three years ago, she lost her child to suicide. With incredible courage and honesty, she opens up about grief, strength, and what it means to keep moving forward after unimaginable loss.
This episode is tender, raw, and important. It’s a conversation about prevention, healing, and the power of community. We believe everyone needs to hear it.
In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the hosts discuss their personal experiences with grief, healing, and the importance of human connection during difficult times. They explore the challenges of managing stress, especially during the holiday season, and the narratives we create around our stress and anxiety. The conversation emphasizes the significance of identifying underlying emotions, the need for control in daily life, and the acceptance of individual quirks and perspectives.
In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, the hosts discuss various challenges they face in podcasting, including technical issues and the importance of mental health. They explore the impact of habits on well-being, the journey of self-love, and the significance of embracing sensitivity. The conversation also touches on physical limitations, the process of facing trauma, and the power of choice in grief. Ultimately, they reflect on personal growth and the importance of being present for loved ones despite struggles.
In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Toldson, Brandee’s personal therapist and an Advanced Grief and Loss Counseling Specialist, for an incredibly insightful and meaningful conversation.
Stephanie shares her own journey into this work and what led her to choose a career centered around grief, trauma, and healing. We also dive into EMDR therapy...what it is, how it works, and why it can be such a powerful tool when it comes to processing trauma and loss.
This episode is filled with practical wisdom, honest conversation, and “aha” moments that help demystify therapy and remind us that healing is possible, even when the work is hard. We walked away with so many valuable takeaways, and we know you will too.
In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the Brandee and Kenzie discuss the challenges they have faced recently, including trademark issues that have affected their podcasting journey. They share their experiences with grief, the importance of human connection during difficult times, and how they manage stress and anxiety, especially during the holiday season. Their conversation emphasizes the value of vulnerability and authenticity in navigating life's challenges.
In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the hosts explore the significance of friendships, the impact of negative conversations, and the importance of mental health awareness. They discuss the need for deeper connections, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the courage required to engage in meaningful conversations about beliefs. The episode emphasizes the value of community support and the responsibility to break stigmas surrounding mental health.
In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the hosts welcome Nate Holloway, the owner of Elite Prodigy Training (EPT). Nate shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a mentor for youth through sports training. He discusses the importance of building confidence in kids, the impact of mentorship, and the significance of creating a supportive community. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the ripple effect of positive influence in the lives of young people.
In this episode of Just Stay, the hosts reflect on their recent break, discussing the importance of self-care and coping mechanisms during colder months. They share personal experiences of anxiety related to leaving their children behind and the freedom found in taking time for oneself. The conversation delves into themes of growth through life's challenges, the impact of trauma, and the struggle with victim mentality. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the journey of healing, while also exploring the dichotomy of pain and personal growth. The episode concludes with a focus on the value of deep connections and meaningful conversations.
In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, host Kinsey and her mother, Renn Randall, explore the complexities of motherhood, mental health, and resilience. They discuss the challenges of growing up in a military family, the impact of frequent moves on mental well-being, and the importance of therapy and medication in navigating life's difficulties. Renn shares her reflections on parenting, the emotional struggles of watching her children face challenges, and the lessons learned from hardship. The conversation emphasizes the power of vulnerability, community support, and the journey of healing and growth
This week, we sit down with Kody Aldrich, a licensed professional counselor with a background in law enforcement and a friend of Brandee’s family.
We dive into the unique challenges of balancing empathy and emotional strength in such demanding roles, and how Kody has learned to carry compassion in his work while protecting his own mental health at home. He also shares valuable insight into something called the 5 H’s of Mental Health, a framework that can help all of us better understand and care for our emotional well-being.
This conversation is raw, insightful, and full of wisdom from someone who’s seen both sides of the struggle...the personal and the professional. It’s one you won’t want to miss
In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, the hosts delve into the complexities of grief, parenting, and the dynamics of family relationships. They share personal experiences of navigating loss, the different ways family members cope with grief, and the challenges of maintaining connections with teenagers. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, self-discovery, and the journey of healing while acknowledging the struggles of motherhood and the weight of emotional burdens.
In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep...literally. We play the "Best Self Icebreaker Series: Deep Talk" game and draw random questions that spark some pretty meaningful conversations.
From life lessons and legacy to kindness, love, and what truly matters, we open up about the things that shape who we are and how we see the world. Some answers made us laugh, others made us pause… and all of them reminded us how important it is to slow down and connect on a deeper level.
If you love real conversations and honest reflection, this one’s for you.
In this week’s episode, we reflect on our experience at Lights on the Lake, an event that deeply moved us and our families. We talk about what it meant to stand in that space, surrounded by love, remembrance, and community.
We also open up about something more personal...the guilt and shame that we can sometimes put on ourselves when it comes to our relationships with God. From not being afraid to ask questions, to finding peace in imperfection, we explore what it means to be on a faith journey that’s honest, messy, and human.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to figure out who we are, what we believe, and how to keep moving forward with grace.
n this episode of Just Stay, the hosts delve into the emotional complexities surrounding suicide awareness and advocacy, the challenges of parenting, and the importance of creating lasting memories with loved ones. They discuss the stigma associated with mental health issues, the toll it takes on advocates, and the need for open conversations. The hosts also reflect on their personal experiences, emphasizing the significance of being present and finding joy in everyday moments with their families
This week we sit down with our friend, Hollin Parkinson--a wife, mother, and social media influencer who has never shied away from sharing both the highs and lows of her journey. Hollin opens up about the impact social media has on her mental health, the weight that comes with navigating mental illness, and the reminder that hard is hard, no matter what your circumstances look like from the outside. This conversation is honest, real, and full of perspective for anyone who has ever felt the heaviness of life but kept showing up anyway.
In this episode we dive into what drives Emily to do what she does. High school teacher, Hope Squad advisor, Mom and Wife, this woman does it all. In this episode, we discuss the impactful work of the Hope Squad, a peer support program in schools aimed at promoting mental health awareness and fostering connections among students. Emily Grover, a teacher and advisor for the Hope Squad, shares her experiences, the curriculum, and the various activities that help students support each other. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, community engagement, and the challenges faced in creating a supportive environment for students.
In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, the hosts reflect on their journey of creating 20 episodes, the impact of their discussions on mental health, and the importance of listener engagement. They delve into personal experiences with ADHD, coping mechanisms, and the significance of mindfulness and nature in their lives. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, establishing morning rituals, and the power of connection with oneself and others.
In this episode of Just Stay, hosts discuss the integration of emotional and mental health into holistic medical practices with Dr. Destin Thane and Nathan Furman. They explore the importance of addressing emotional well-being alongside physical health, the innovative hand scan technology used in their clinic, and the profound impact of trauma on physical ailments. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the upcoming events aimed at raising awareness and providing resources for those in need.







