Above Ground Podcast

“How can I be thinking about suicide, when I preach suicide prevention!? queries  Andrew Leece on episode one hundred seventy of Above Ground Podcast. For our second Suicide Survivor September InnerView. Our guest this week is, Andrew Leece. Andrew is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Capital Region Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,  Andrew is also, the co-chair of 2022’s AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk for RITA , on Sunday, September 25th at Saratoga State Park and he lives with passive suicidal ideation.  Andrew Leece is a friend of the show, but he is also considered a personal friend. Andrew’s story is of the tallest engine that could.  Standing at 7’2. Andrew’s height equals the strength he possesses as a man with a mental illness to overcome his negative voice to end his life and receive the help he needed to save it instead.  Andrew takes us through his crisis from a lucky appointment with his prescriber, which lead to treatment. From inpatient to outpatient and back into the world. Touting the help he received  from Four Winds of Saratoga, NY.  “The work on your{model railroad} layout is never done and neither is the work on yourself” emphasizes Andrew. Andrew uses his love of model railroads as a positive coping skill and the momentary relief for his mental health. Andrew's life and       Train Kept A Rollin', because of his ability to ask for help, his treatment and his support system.  If you or someone you know needs help immediately dial 911. If not in immediate danger, go to the nearest Emergency Room. Dial the new 988 Crisis and Suicide Hotline, 24 hours a day. Call your Primary Care Physician. Inquire with your employer about your EAP program, if you have one available. Seek out a peer group for your diagnosis or one that you feel would serve you.  Andrew shares with us the struggle with his diagnosis. The roller coaster he rides and tries to hold on to daily. Andrew says thank you to some folks he states were integral in his recovery. Andrew speaks on the importance having the language to talk about your emotions, needs and feelings. Here is a good place to start with Byron Katie's List of Emotions. These lists are the best on the internet and her website The Work is a great place to start your journey of healing.  Andrew is a dedicated Board Member and Treasurer of the Capital Region Chapter of AFSP. Sunday September 25th 2022 at Saratoga Spa State Park is AFSP Capital Region                  2022 Out of the Darkness Walk for RITA, with the walk starting at 10:30am. Andrew and Above Ground Podcast will be there for our third RITA. Come out and support, remember and celebrate the spirit of those we have lost.  September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.  Thanks for listening to Above Ground Podcast. Please continue to like, share, rate, review, follow and friend. Until next time  get Well, be Safe, stay ABOVE.   

Jim Gilbert is a creative fire storm, solution opportunist and the Heart of Nippertown. Jim views his ADD as a superpower that just needs management. Jim is driven beyond the grind, beyond inspired and is the beat that keeps the Heart of Nippertown pumping. Jim discusses the cocktail that allows him to do ten things at once. We talk NipperFest 2022 and the great acts and logistics of it all. Above Ground Podcast will be there with your mental health resources from NYS Office of Mental Health, AFSP Capital Region, NAMI NYS, Healing Springs, and so many others. We all need a hug too. AGP will giving free hugs to anyone that needs one.  Jim Gilbert is the Publisher of Nippertown and the Director of Operations for OverIt, a multi-media company in Albany, NY.  Jim was the co-owner of NYSMusic.com Jim is also a concert photographer, with his name etched into many of the great photos we see on Nippertown, NYSMusic.com and all over media.  Please checkout the links below to find Jim’s work and connect.  https://nippertown.com https://overit.com https://nysmusic.com Thank you for listening to this episode of Above Ground Podcast. Please continue to rate, review, follow, friend, fan and share. Until next time get well, be safe, stay Above.

This Sunday is the 2023 Out of the Darkness Walk for R.I.T.A. in Saratoga Springs, NY. Rita was a Doctor, a Partner, a beloved Friend. The acronym stands for remembrance, intervention, together, (we can raise) awareness.  Above Ground Podcast will be there as we have been since 2019. This walk is the most unique in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention family, in that a person is attached directly. The ladies who have affectionately become the Ritas, over the years, have allowed so many to share in the memories of their Rita. Healing and connecting is the point.    Whats up everyone? Welcome to episode two hundred twenty three of Above Ground Podcast. This week we are highlighting Sunday’s walk at Saratoga Spa State Park at 9am. We are joined by repeat guest Dan Egan and Missy Stolfi, both of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Capital Region NY Chapter. It was great catching up with our friend Dan and the newest Capital Region NY Area Director Missy.    Please come out and show your support for the cause, even if you do not have a connection. Though, I believe most of us are closer than we think. There will be remembrance quilts, boards for you to write messages for loved ones. Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga will be providing rides again this year. We will have tables from lots of non-profit and agencies across Nippertown. Our friends at Healing Springs will be next to, Above Ground Podcast. Saratoga County Mental Health will be providing free NARCAN training. Speakers and ceremonies will round out this wonderful event.    Thank you for listening to episode two hundred twenty three of Above Ground Podcast. See you Sunday at Saratoga Spa State Park at 9am.We will return next week with another new episode. Until next week get well, be safe, be above. 

You will never be the same following the loss of someone you care about to suicide. Loss is part of your history, but it doesn’t have to tell the whole story. Erika Barber,  first lost her older sister, Andrea. Then later on, Erika lost her dad, John. Through those losses came the ability to start having conversations of courage and Erika’s  courageousness to be comfortable talking about the uncomfortable leads to connection.    Welcome to episode two hundred twenty two of Above Ground Podcast. We continue with our Suicide Prevention and Awareness month episodes, as we have done since 2019, with our guest,  Erika Barber.      Erika Barber,  first lost her older sister, Andrea, when Erika was just fifteen to suicide. When Andrea died, Erika wanted to just be a teenager. She couldn’t address her pain like an adult, she  wanted to hang with her friends. Forget the inevitable changes that were ahead for her family and the grief of losing your older sister. Forget her life would be forever touched by suicide. She’d be the that girl who’s sister died by suicide.    Following the loss of Andrea, Erika’s mother dealt with her pain by drowning it in alcohol, while her dad sought out help. John, went to the groups, took his meds as prescribed, faced the loss of his daughter, Andrea. John lost his battle with depression eight years ago. Once again, Erika was facing a loss by suicide. But, not just any loss. This was the loss of her dad in 2015. The loss of her dad was profound.    Erika lived with mental health challenges herself. Facing a family of mental health challenges, both figuratively and literally.  Erika did the work to find herself working through her loss courageously.    Erika found the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  in 2007, through an Out of the Darkness walk. Her ten year Board of Director’s term  just ended. Erika wanted to be involved as soon as she heard a radio ad that was calling her tribe together. People that would finally get her and understand.    October 24, 2023 is the Chicagoland AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Chicago, Illinois. Erika will be in attendance and if you’re in the Chicagoland area you should be too.  Especially , since you’re more closer than you think to someone who died by suicide.    Come to Saratoga Spa State Park on Sunday September, 24,2023 at 9am for the Out of the Darkness Walk for R.I.T.A. and remember our loved ones. Stop by the Above Ground Podcast table and not for profits all over Nippertown. As well as a remembrance ceremony and activities to create tributes to celebrate their memory.     Sunday October 1, 2023 is the next Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market at Empire Live Albany. 11am-5pm.  It is also the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Schenectady Walk at Central Park. Make sure when they ask where you heard about these events, tell them, Above Ground Podcast guided you. Thanks for listening to episode two hundred twenty-two and until next time, get well, be safe, stay above.  AFSP Chicago Erika Barber book Conversations of Courage   AFSP Capital Region New York   TPP book Never Underestimate the Power of You   Will Foley single Memoir (Despair & Mayhem)     

Welcome to episode two hundred twenty one of Above Ground Podcast. This week Will & TPP kick off September and Suicide Prevention and Awareness month with a raw  and frank  discussion on staying alive when you don’t really want to live. This is could be a triggering conversation for some, so just take precautions when listening.    Living on a Prayer was not just Bon Jovi’s biggest hit, it’s sometimes the way we survive life’s tragedies. Throwing up our hands and saying I can’t do it alone, finding our higher power and letting go.  For those of us who live with suicidal ideation or depression sometimes wanting to live is just too hard. Fighting to make it through another day is far too heavy a burden.    During this month we remember the lost. But, let us not forget those that are still amongst us giving their best to just survive another day.   Help us celebrate those that we have lost on Sunday September 24,2023 at Orenda Pavillon in Saratoga Spa State Park for Out of the Darkness Walk for RITA 2023 at 9am.    Also this Saturday, September 9, from 1-4 at the Knox Town Park for the Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs Art Festival for Mental Health, 2192 Berne-Altamont Road, Altamont NY 12209.  Check out Amy Modesti’s piece spotlighting AGP will be there and is looking forward to seeing everyone.    Thanks for listening and return every Wednesday. Please sign up for RITA to walk, maybe donate and until next time stay Above.

Finding kind humans with a kind heart that just want to help others is rare these days. Lucky for us(and you) we have Dr.Rachael!! She is a relationship coach that empowers women and spreads hope to everyone. Dr. Rachael is a strong advocate for belief work, not only for others but also, herself. Maybe it’s the force behind hope, in order to create strength, we must utter the words “ I am enough”.    Welcome to episode two hundred twenty of Above Ground Podcast. This is the place conversations decrease the stigmas of mental health and this week we  mix in a little attachment theory, as well.    With the help of Dr. Rachael we discuss life after divorce, healing through shame, guilt, grief and the entanglement of attachment styles. Finding our way through the web of relationships in order to continue our journey to becoming our authentic selves. She believes the best way to step out of the shadows is searching within… through  values, standards, affirmations, belief work and maybe most importantly…… consistency.     What are your basic needs? What is your attachment style? Lean on us this week in episode #220 and grow through forgiveness with positive affirmations and with the wisdom of Dr. Rachael Knotts.     Don’t forget every week we start the conversation in order to stomp out the stigmas of mental health!  We can’t do it without your help, so follow us on the socials, subscribe to the podcast, share, rate, review, and buy us a coffee @buymeacoffee.com\abovegroundpod.    Thanks for the support and as always … Stay above. 

So many of us think in terms of black and white. We are either rational or emotional. We create laws in black and white. Yet, looking at the world around us, we are all shades of grey.    Hey, what’s up and welcome to episode two hundred nineteen of Above Ground Podcast. This week we get into the reasonable mind vs the emotional mind and where the self is in the scrum. Is the self the joining of the two, known as wise mind, or could it be just another mystery that goes unsolved.    The wise mind brings the band together, and what a power trio it is. Reasonable mind and Emotional mind, round out this triple threat, sure to turn it up to eleven.   First, keeping you cool, task oriented and rational, on drums Reasonable mind. Facts, reason and laying down a wicked in the pocket, four on the floor keeping the band in time. Don’t jam my swing with your emotions.   On guitar we have none other than Emotional mind.  Emotional mind is a shredder and a tearjerker rigged together. Using only feelings, moods, and urges to dance across the fretboard. Our shredder has no time for logic. That would ruin his expression.    Now holding the pocket and our hearts together is our master of the low end and the boss of the bottom, wise mind. Wise mind lays the rhythm under the melody and the beat. Wise mind walks the middle path using right and left to bring the noise and keep reason and emotion from going solo.    Thanks for checking out, Above Ground Podcast.  Check back on Wednesdays for episodes and follow us on socials to see what we are up to. Until next week, get well, be safe, stay ABOVE.

We first talked with Rob in episode ninety four where he felt uncomfortably numb. A hose of truth was used to put out the fires of mental health stigma. Now Rob is back, wanting more, doing more, and ultimately doing whatever is necessary to achieve it!!! Rob is a member of the peer ranks in spreading awareness and believes silence does nothing but strengthen stigma. His  work with Boots On The Ground can attest to that. Rob’s ketamine diaries help us understand what it’s like to bear witness to trauma and death and find life again.    What’s up everyone and welcome to episode two hundred eighteen of Above Ground Podcast. We welcome back guest, Rob Leathen  to talk about his “trips” to Field Trip, where he underwent Ketamine treatment for his PTSD from a long career as a first responder in Canada. We also hit the peer-spective by discussing his work as warm line peer for Boots on the Ground, a 24 hour a day peer service for first responders.    Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, but as we are finding out in recent studies, there is a positive benefit to people living with depression and ptsd. With 30 years of experience being a first responder he is no stranger to traumatic events. Rob shared his diaries and experience through the process. He shares how he connected and realized in order to bloom, we must let go and allow the mind to bloom.    With so many types of therapy available and Rob being open to them, ketamine was a very effective therapy treatment for him. As he states, he no longer approaches situations with his brain, instead he approaches them with his heart.     Join us today and every Wednesday as we stomp out the stigmas of mental health. Follow us on your social media of choice and hit that subscribe button so you will stay up to date on all our new episodes!!!   Check the links below for Field Trip and Boots on the Ground below to find out more. Until next Wednesday get well, be safe, stay Above.    https://www.bootsontheground.ca   https://www.fieldtriphealth.com

A simple definition of neuroscience is the study of the nervous system. What’s not so simple is how the brain and nervous system work together. This week we are geeking out in the hemispheres of our mind.    Hey, welcome to episode two hundred seventeen of Above Ground Podcast. This week Will & TPP look at neuroscience and the brain with our,  I’m not a scientist, but I pretend to be one on a podcast for an hour selves.    Click the link below  to check out Psychology Today’s neuroscience center and get some knowledge of your hard drive. Tune in next week when we have Rob Leathen back on to talk about his ketamine diaries and psychedelic assisted therapy for PTSD. As always get well, be safe, stay above.   https://www.psychologytoday.com

Twenty two service men and women die by suicide everyday. Those are just the ones that can be counted. Countless others suffer alone. You can only embrace the suck so long, before you need to change your operation.    What is up and welcome to episode two hundred sixteen of Above Ground Podcast. This week we are joined by Gunny Claus. Gunny, is a retired Marine Drill Sergeant, who adopted his persona of Gunny Claus, to make some meaning and give back to the community.    Upon returning home Gunny wanted to make a difference and found his way to helping Toys for Tots. When asked to appear as a living example, Gunny was forced out of his box. Gunny opened himself up to allow parts of himself to be touched that as a Marine would not have been otherwise.    Gunny provides us a chance to witness in real time that how we affect someone has ripple effects throughout our world. And you never know when you might run into one of those particular individuals. Be careful, you meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down. They just look differently from your back, so remain on your toes and treat people kindly.    Irreverent Warriors is a national organization that helps vets heal through shared experience,  humor,  and providing understanding, connection and camaraderie to help mental health and prevent suicide. Gunny will be in NYC on August 26, 2023 for the Silkie’s Hike NYC. A non athletic hike kicking off at W 67th Street at 7:00am.    Thanks for listening to this week’s episode of Above Ground Podcast. Thank you to everyone who came out to NipperFest last week and spoke with us. We were grateful to be part of the connection and the community. Please continue to rate, review, subscribe and share. Until next Wednesday, get well, be safe, stay Above.     https://irreverentwarriors.com

Are you curious about what healing can bring into your life? Are you fed up with your past experiences hindering your present and blocking your future? If you answered yes to either, we've got an episode for you!! We all have mental health. We all have hurdles. And we all have the ability to improve in some small way so never underestimate the power of you.   Welcome to episode two hundred fifteen of Above Ground Podcast. This week we celebrate the book, Never Underestimate the Power of You, by none other than AGP's Timothy "TPP" Parent. Because well, we all have the power inside…sometimes we just need a light, a nudge, or even a smack right upside the head. With Tim's mantra of, Educate.Inspire.Support, Tim created a book that can help accomplish those things for you. This book can be your guide to tap your power and become the person you want to be. When you’re ready, the book is waiting. What are you waiting for?   Arey ou down with TPP?? Start here with this episode and get a brief glimpse into the book and the author. Pick up this help yourself book today and stop underestimating yourself and start your healing journey. You're worth it.    You can find, Never Underestimate the Power of You here on Amazon. If you’re in the 518, you can go pick up a copy at The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany NY or stop in to our favorite boutique in Glenville- The Sages Circle, Glenville NY.    Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and click the notifications, that way you know when it's live.If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone you think may also enjoy it and get back here next Wednesday for episode two hundred sixteen. Until next week get well, be safe, stay ABOVE.   https://www.amazon.com/Never-Underestimate-Power-You-Project/dp/B0BM43J534    

Yoga is challenging, but it forces you to be in the moment. The more times we put ourselves in the moment we push ourselves.  The postures provide you a physical map to lead you into the moment. This week we are talking yoga and rebuilding the mountain that is self. Through the trauma fires, fisticuffs and rage, Marc Salvi rebuilt his mountain and its construction of yoga, metal and connection.    Welcome to episode two hundred fourteen of Above Ground Podcast. Another week, another real conversation about mental health and wellness from the peer-spective. Summer is dashing like a thoroughbred and before we know it the race will be run. Prioritizing self care and exercise is important. Yoga may be the perfect addition to your physical, mental and spiritual health.    Our guest this week is Marc Salvi. Marc is a Nippertown based yoga teacher. Marc’s classes are designed to bring non yoga people to the practice. Marc came to yoga for help recovering from his aches and pains of the gym rat life. In 2021 Marc completed his RYT200 with Michelle Pollard, owner of Studio 4 Hot Yoga and Pilates of Schenectady, NY. Marc aims to help students cultivate greater body awareness by becoming mindful of every part of the body. With breath work, building strength, gaining mobility, and stability, you will move through your life smoother and more confident.    Marc can be found on the schedules of Studio 4 Hot Yoga & Pilates, 151 Lafayette Street, Schenectady, NY. Marc also teaches in Slingerlands at JAI Yoga School, 5 Vista Blvd, Slingerlands, NY.    When Marc is not teaching yoga, he takes part in his other passions. He is a dad of twins(boy/girl). Marc trains Tae Kwon Do with them and is a huge fan of the martial arts. His day job is a  construction project manager with more than twenty years and counting in the industry.  Not to mention he loves metal and hardcore music.    Thanks for listening to this week’s Above Ground Podcast. Please stop by our table at NipperFest this Saturday and say hey!!! NipperFest will be rocking from 11a-10pm, Saturday at Central Park Music Haven, Schenectady, NY.  Get there and support local music. Until we meet again next week, get well, be safe, stay ABOVE. 

Self love is huge. Our deficit of self love is huge too. Accepting the real is a true test of mindfulness. People with abandonment issues often have difficulty staying in the real, for fear of being let down by the real. This week we are throwing down and singing gimme three steps, gimme three steps mista, gimme three steps to self love. Or, at least help us narrow it down.   Welcome to episode two hundred thirteen of Above Ground Podcast. We are speeding through the summer of 2023 and continue to bring real, raw conversations about mental health from what we deemed the peer-spective. This week is no different. We hope you enjoyed last week's show with our guest, John 'Bloodclot' Joseph. Next week we are joined by Yogi Marc Salvi. Check it out every Wednesday.   Mindfulness is the amusement park of the self. Within these walls resides emotion. Our connection. Our pain and the path to our healing. Our forgiveness. And our letting go. In the bigtop is the circus of life. All it's balancing acts, high flying acrobatics and sometimes a clown falls off their bike or their horn is stuffed. Either way, the clown who is an extra, might lose faith in themselves. When their bucket is empty. The clown blames himself. Our friend might not love himself after. With blame comes shame and Pagliacci may never regain his smile again.    Have no fear, sad clown, Above Ground Podcast has some steps to learning how to love yourself again. Remember mindfulness is a process, a concept. Yes, it's acceptible that a clown, is a clown. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less. It's accepting that as a clown, you're expected to entertain people all the time. No matter how you feel. But, if you're causing yourself suffering by holding onto dreams of being one of the flying trapeze performers, please take the step of letting go. Forgive yourself and accept that you are the greatest clown ever, toot your horn like no one else can. And shout that I am Pagliacci, the horn tootinist', insightful and forgiving mo fo to ever paint a sad face.    Thanks for checking in this week. Please come by Empire Live Albany, this Sunday from 11am-5pm for the next installation of Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market. Come to 93 North Pearl St. Albany, NY, and get your hands and eyes on some of the darkest, coolest, unique items anywhere. It's macabre. Lots of your parents wouldn't approve. Get outta the swamp of 'Toga tierras and come get ya some devil horns, animal remains and beard oil.    Don't forget to come to Central Park Music Haven in Schenectady, NY for NipperFest 2023. Saturday July 22, from 11am-10pm. Come to Central Park and listen to some great 518 music and grab yourself a fistful of mental health resources to share with your neighbors. Be there or wish you were. Thanks for listening to episode two hundred thirteen of Above Ground Podcast. Please subscribe and turn on notifications in order to hear a new episode every Wednesday, four years and growing.  Until next week when we are joined by Marc Salvi, get well, be safe, stay ABOVE.  

John Joseph is the definition of never giving up. John grew up in some of the most abusive environments a human can withstand. John nearly lost his human form on more than one occasion. John slung dope and shot dope. He was an addict and a criminal. Then finding himself begging for a way to stay above. John found service to be his path.    Welcome to episode two hundred twelve of Above Ground Podcast. This week we are joined by John Joseph. John is a vegan triathlete, author, and  singer in his namesake band,  Bloodclot (Upstate Records). John wrote the help yourself classic, The PMA Effect; how a positive mental attitude can make you the badass you were born to be. This week we discuss substance abuse, real life on the streets and just who you need to become for a life of survival of the fittest. This is dedicated to the memories of Kevin McQuaid and Frank McGowan.    From John’s earliest days the deck was stacked against him. Having gone from an abusive home where his prize fighter dad would use his mom for a punching bag. Then through the horrendous foster system where  his childhood was nearly erased from existence. Rather taking his chances, John, eventually ran away and claimed Alphabet City as his playground and training ground.     John found a spiritual path out of the pain and torment he was in. Finding the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.  John learned that freedom comes in the form of service.  Begging for help on the steps of the Krishna Temple, was the opening of the light.    John Joseph says knowledge without application is useless. Don’t just read his books. Use them. Use them to find your own path. Knowledge can take us from hell to heaven in a minute.  Get a camp together and don’t be surprised by the ones who leave. Be surprised by the ones who stay. Stay humble and more tolerant than a tree and don’t let your ego get in the way of your life.    John is currently the singer for Upstate Records recording artist Bloodclot. Thank you to Mario Cangemi for connecting us with John.  Check out John at these links:   https://www.upstaterecordsny.com https://www.johnjosephdiscipline.com https://prabhupadabooks.com  

Without the cloudy days we wouldn’t know the sun. We wouldn’t use those days to create new grooves. Self-care, gratitude and celebration will lead you to say I can see clearly that the rain is gone and growth is on the way.    Welcome to episode two hundred eleven of Above Ground Podcast. This week we are discussing the recognition of growth and our ability to see it in others, steward our own and connect the dots between insight and integration.    Next week we have the former lead singer of the Cro-Mags, author, and vegan IronMan,  John ‘Bloodclot’ Joseph as our guest. We had a great conversation about Positive Mental Attitude and how a hardcore will is forged in someone. John’s journey was dangerous, traumatic, and could have ended his life on more than one occasion. Tune in and check it out.    In July come see AGP at Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market, Sunday July, 16, from 11a-5p at Empire Live 93 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207. Then stop by our table at NipperFest 2023, Saturday July 22 at the Central Park Music Haven Stage, 500 Iroquois Lane, Schenectady, NY, 12309.  11a-10pm rain or shine, family friendly. Until next week get well, be safe, stay Above. 

Insight, humor and a good dose of reality sounds like a great way to approach a conversation about therapy, the secret lives of teenagers  or anything, when you think about it. That’s just it, maybe you haven’t thought about the benefits of therapy. You should, and maybe a bit of BFF therapy is just what the doctor ordered.    Hey everyone, time for episode two hundred ten of Above Ground Podcast. We attempt to live out the tenants of what  Dr.Jaimee Arnoff Ph.D. offers her clients and kiddos. Dr.Jaimee is a Clinical Psychologist based in Beacon, NY.  No topic is off limits, including trashy young adult novels and tap dancing. We talk therapy and how we can help parents struggling  with talking about mental health to their kiddos.    If someone is having a hard time starting the conversation with their child about mental health, you can help. Start by asking why this is difficult or what barriers they face to just having a conversation? Let them know sometimes it is as easy as saying, I’m here for you if you ever want to talk, and I will listen". Let the parent make the choice about how to act, but guide them along the way by sharing your own tips and this podcast.    We don’t always have the answers. It’s ok to not know how to proceed.  That vulnerability can be a benefit, not a barrier. At least for your child. For you, your ego may revolt and force you into unmindful tact or energy. You only get one chance to make a first impression on anyone, but especially our children. We do not want to leave them with a sense that speaking to us is not safe. Trust me, you can have hard conversations. You might be surprised at just how much it helps your kiddo and you.  When you can't, call Dr. Jaimee. That's what she is there for.    You can find Dr. Jaimee Arnoff Ph.D down in Dutchess County at BFF Therapy. Located at 33 Henry Street, Beacon, NY 12508. Dr. Jaimee has a very active  BFF Therapy Instagram page and is also part of the team for James's Warrior's. You can find all of Dr. Jaime's appearances at her Linktree.  Until next week get well, be safe, stay Above.

  In 2020 the life expectancy in the US was 77 years old and a month or two. With that alarming number it’s no wonder we don’t talk about death. We don’t like to plan our death and we definitely do not want to acknowledge it. We have our second ever repeat guest this week. Time to get flipping the script with Dr. A the Misfit Therapist.    It’s time for episode two hundred nine of Above Ground Podcast, and we are rocking into year four with only our second ever repeat guest, The Misfit Therapist, herself, Dr. A. We were stoked to have her back on and catch up. We jumped right in with some heavy facts. That’s your trigger warning.    Dr. A expresses that, ”you’re allowed to go backwards a little bit, to go forward.”. As you see up top the topic of death is very prevalent this week. Death of parent, death of relationship, and death of identity. As people that are very comfortable in uncomfortable conversations this was just a natural order and the tape rolled for it.    Dr. A appeared back on episode 152 Island of Misfits w/Dr.A the Misfit Therapist.  A lot has changed in her world since that appearance in May of 2022, she shares. Dr. A is a busy psychotherapist in California. Dr. A is a mom , an MBA and a former professor. Her specialty is trauma focused CBT and she is a LCSW and LPCC.    Dr. A clearly needed to get some stuff off her chest and the  vulnerable conversation led us through her father’s death, the uncoupling of her first marriage, her upcoming second one. Yes, she knows the odds. We got to talk divorce and how difficult it is to have a not so normal parting of the ways.    The common theme of death led us to a good resting place and we are so grateful to have had our second repeat guest. As we celebrate year four and march toward five, we will have some other respect guests from the years past. We also have some killer guests. We hope you will check in every Wednesday.    Thanks for listening to this week’s episode of Above Ground Podcast. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you. Please follow our socials for updates daily. Come see us at an AGP pop up event. Check Facebook and Instagram to find us wherever you might be. Until next week get well,  be safe, stay above.

This week is all about relationships, attachment styles and celebrating year number four of having real, raw conversations.  Many of us have had  our hearts  thrown on the ground or maybe something traumatic has happened. This week we get to bring Jordan back in for a conversation about how difficult relationships really are.  Don’t go in with eyes closed, and arms wide open.    Welcome to episode two hundred eight and the official fourth birthday of Above Ground Podcast. What better conversation to have, than to speak of relationships on this episode. We are  heading into year number four and continuing what we do best; stomping  the stigmas of mental illness every Wednesday.    When you seek love where it’s unavailable, love can become transactional.  When you have a hard time setting boundaries, it can make us seek transactional relations to fill needs. Opening us up for yet another relationship swing. Often in short order. We can all agree relationships are hard. We do not need to make them harder by carrying the baggage of old outdated software. Plug in, get updated.    Jordan Caslin  has been a very familiar voice around the show. He is often the male voicing the disclaimer at the beginning and has appeared on episodes over the years. Jordan is a great friend of the show and we appreciate his time, talent and root beer.    Shout out to Nippertown. We appreciate being part of the family. We thank Jim & Laura for their support. We are stoked to be a part of NipperFest 2023 and cannot wait to see everyone again this year. It was a hot one last year. Make sure you drop by and say hey on Saturday July 22,2023. We will be at Central Park Music Haven  at Noon to rock all day and talk mental health.   Sunday July 16,2023 will be the next gathering of Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market. Come by Albany's premier venue, Empire Live, 93 No Pearl Street, 11a-5p. Horns up to Mike Langone for putting this all together.  This is a great event and we have been a part of them all.  Mike was a guest on episode one seventy eight, Odds, Sweet Things & Dead Ends. We thank Mike for his candor, dedication and friendship. Come get your cool on.    Until next week get well, be safe, stay above.  

Getting paid to help people can be one of the most rewarding career choices you can make. The exchange of energy that occurs during massage is at another level. Brian Kavanaugh helps people heal themselves. Brian is a conduit to allowing people to come in through the out door and our guest on this week’s Above Ground  Podcast.  What’s up everyone? Time for episode two hundred seven of Above Ground Podcast. This Sunday, Above Ground Podcast is taking part in an open house and health fair starting at 10:00am at the Center of Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy, 14 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205. This awesome opportunity led us to our InnerView this week.  Brian Kavanaugh is the Director of Admissions for the Center of Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy (CNWSMT) in Albany, NY.  He has been a licensed massage therapist since graduating from CNWSMT in 2005.  Brian started his education after realizing you could make a good living and have a ton of flexibility compared to other vocations. What he didn’t expect was the growth of self that he developed, the sense of purpose gained and the intuition to guide.  Filling your own well is a personal mantra for Brian and he teaches his students to take better care of themselves, in order to serve their clients better. Brian had such a profound experience at CNWSMT that  he says, “ if I didn’t do another massage ever again. I would still go through the education again.” For him being part of the community and personal growth were great benefits on top of receiving his LMT and following his soul path.  If we do not release our traumas, pains, stressors and depressants, we store them in our bodies somewhere.  The physical will bemoan the emotional. Our bodies do tell the score and if you do not release these items we will become symptomatic. Whatever that means to you. Brian evangelizes the benefits of massage for everyone. He, especially touts it for those with depression. Massage being a healing touch, Brian has touched so many folks. Cue comedic drum fill.  Please come out this Sunday to the Center of Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy at 14 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205 from 10a-2pm for their open house and health fair. This event will have a little bit of everything, from body work, energy work, sound therapy and Above Ground Podcast. Come out and help us spread self love via self care. Set an intention to come and open yourself to something new.  Speaking of intentions. When we fired up  the engine on this pod, I set the intention of having seven episodes in the can and that it would be a weekly episode drop. I had no idea it would go two hundred plus weeks and counting. Next week we celebrate four years of stomping stigma and having real, raw conversations about mental health from the, peer-spective. Remember hope won’t spread itself! Thank you! Also summer is fast approaching and AGP will be out and about. We will definitely see you at the one and only, Nipperfest 2023. Nippertown’s summer party in the Electric City.on Saturday July 22, 2023. Music Haven at Central Park in Schenectady will be rocking from noon on. Come join the entire Nippertown family, stop by our table and let’s talk about what happened to you.  I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who listens. If you are feeling emotionally distressed please seek help. #URL0V3D . If you are in a crisis please call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Until next week get well,  be safe, stay ABOVE!

Our lives can change in the blink of an eye. We have a life that we are living and then… something happens. Accident, death, divorce, loss, trauma. Our lives unfold just as they should , but our acceptance of that is very uncomfortable to accept, acknowledge and live with. Healing from these events, roadblocks or setbacks forces us to seek help from others to help us on a path of healing. Many will say you need to adhere to strict guidelines and will never seek an alternative. They will limit themselves. Keli Kane has unfolded to color outside the lines and forced to relinquish control to the universe.  What’s up everyone? Time for episode two hundred six of Above Ground Podcast. Our guest this week is Hudson Valley Author and Educator, Keli Kane. Her book, Angel in the Mirror, is available now. Keli shares with us her story of overcoming her traumatic brain injury, her healing journey and finding her way out of the darkness that she touched. Keli left no healing modality untouched and used many to help her learn how to walk and talk all over again. It takes a village and Keli is surrounded.  Letting go creates the greatest power for our spirit and giving our bodies to the water helps us float. Keli gave herself over to the universe and it has been gifting her since she made that sacrifice of the life she thought she was meant to lead. Keli was the victim of a drunk driving accident and suffered a TBI. Keli was forced into growth mode and she grew into a the angel in the mirror. Happy birthday also to Keli, because she celebrates the following day. So let's make this a birthday to remember.  This Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Barnes and Noble, Kingston, NY from 1-3pm. Keli is discussing and signing her book, Angel in the Mirror. Keli has dedicated her life to helping others. Keli's work as a Reading Specialist and Teacher and her Reiki work deliver direct support to people and meets them where they are. Things that are therapeutic don't have to look like it.  Thanks for listening to another episode of Above Ground Podcast. As we roll out of another month and Mental Health Awareness Month ends, remember, everyone has mental health. Until next time we run the beautiful bean footage, get well, be safe, stay ABOVE.