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.

Welcome to the reissues and final episode of Above Ground Podcast. This is episode two hundred thirty eight and this was the final in our 2019 DBT series. This episode was entitled, Putting it All Together. This week we finish our DBT series. That's right Dialectical Behavior Therapy, has reached crescendo and is ready to be added to your utility belt.  The final, Putting It All Together; will be our discussion on how to implement the four modules of DBT; distress tolerance , mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness. Thanks for joining us on this journey. Thank you for everything. Until we meet again...get well, be safe, stay Above.  

Welcome to episode two hundred thirty seven of Above Ground Podcast. We are on the eve of hibernation and with just one episode left, following this, AGP is tucking in for a warm winters nap.  Stay in touch about TPP's new podcast, The Pieces of Wellness, in upcoming weeks.  This week is part 2 of our final DBT skilll, distress tolerance.  Until next time stay Above..

Hey welcome to episode two hundered thirty six of Above Ground Podcast. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and as we rush to flip the calendar, we have another episode in our Reissues series. Here's to 2024.   This week Will and Tim tackle the last module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This special two part episode is for the final module; Distress Tolerance.   We can all use some tools and skills to build our tolerance for distressing emotions and events. You can't wait until the dam breaks to make sure your kayak floats. You better have your life jacket and oars ready to face the class 5 rapids.    Getwell, be safe, stay Above 

Hey everyone time for episode two hundred thirty five of Above Ground Podcast. This is our  reissue series of DBT skills from episodes back in 2019. This week we take on emotional regulation.  We can all use a way to regulate emotions during times of stress and strain. Will and Tim talk about those little gremlins and how to keep them from getting wet. Don't feed your emotions, free them. Especially as we are in the throws of the holiday rush. Be mindful, patient and kind to yourself. Thank you so much for listening to Above Ground Podcast. Change is a constant in life and Above Ground Podcast is no exception. Over the next few weeks you will notice some changes for the show and its hosts. Please continue to follow our socials for all the happenings.  Have a Merry Christmas and get well, be safe and stay Above.

It's time for another episode of Above Ground Podcast. We have episode two hundred and thirty four as we continue our Reissues and the continuation of our Dialectical Behavior Therapy series from way back in 2019. We will check in and have some announcements soon, so please stay tuned in and turned on.  This week in the third episode of our series on Dialectical Behavior Therapy(DBT) Will and Tim banter about taking back your mind. Using the instrument of mindfulness to create a teflon mind. No Jedi mind tricks, hard work, practice and patience are all you need to develop this tool. From meditation, binaural beats and weighted blankets. They can all be used to develop from infant to full grown Jedi. Get well, be safe, stay Above  

Welcome to episode two hundred thirty three of AGP. We continue our Reissues series with the second installment of DBT. This week on AGP is our first module of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT); Will and Tim discuss Interpersonal Effectiveness. This is the second episode of our series on DBT.  We dive into what IE is and share some stories about our use or lack there of. No one is perfect. We are learning also. Get well, be safe, stay Above

Hey everyone, it's Thanksgiving week. Time for episode 232. Will & TPP are taking a break and this is the first of some special reissues of older AGP episodes. We did a series highlighting Dialectical Behavior Therapy severeal years ago. We are going to share these episodes with you. Hope you enjoy. This week on Above Ground Podcast Will and Tim start their self care September with an overview of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. This form of therapy was developed by Marsha Linehan, to originally help people with Borderline Personality Disorder. It is incredibly useful for people facing overwhelming emotions.  DBT for short is a set of four skills; -Distress Tolerance -Mindfulness -Emotional Regulation -Interpersonal Effectiveness   Like all skills it takes practice and perseverance. You can benefit yourself greatly by learning these skills in managing your emotions. Always talk to a licensed professional.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!! get well, be safe, stay ABOVE

 This week on episode #231 Will & TPP took a flight across the globe to have a conversation with Jo.  Jo Rodriguez is a CBT specialist and serving London as a psychologist for more than 14 years.  Some of you may know her from the f#ck it Friday videos and her straight forward advice on mental health. If you don’t… I suggest you better get on it!  We had a great conversation with Jo about making changes, trauma, integrity and much more, so don’t miss this one!!!  Don’t forget to grab a copy of “never underestimate the power of you” the new book from TPP.  Thanks for the support, tune in next week and as always … Stay above. 

 This week on episode #230 Will & TPP had  the pleasure of speaking with a very special neighbor. Honoring veterans everywhere and with Veterans Day around the corner we thought this conversation with Joni, owner of Operation at ease, would be a perfect way to honor our veterans.  Joni, a fellow veteran herself started Operation At Ease in 2015. What is Operation At Ease you ask? Operation At Ease takes dogs from shelters, pairs them with deserving veterans and first responders and provides a free guided training program for post traumatic stress and light mobility service dogs. They serve those who have served our country and our community.  Help Joni and crew to help others, visit www.operationatease.org for more information.  Don’t forget to grab a copy of “never underestimate the power of you” the new book from TPP.  Thanks for the support and as always … Stay above. 

Welcome to episode two hundred twenty nine of Above Ground Podcast. As TPP likes to say, choose your pain.  This week you can choose to blame or save yourself. While you’re working on your lists check out all the episodes on abovegroundpodcast.net. Jordan is back as a guest host. Will returns next week. Until then, get well, be safe and stay above. 

Hey everyone! It’s time for another episode of Above Ground Podcast. TPP & Will are back in the saddle again for this week’s conversation with guest, author, Jacqui Letran on episode two hundred twenty eight of AGP.  Jacqui Letran's life path was chosen for her as at teen mom. Dropping out of high school and living on public assistance. Jacqui believed she was doomed, but the birth of her son led her to find a path forward through love and healing. Jacqui became a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Adolescent health.  This paved the road of life's journey with the fire to make the world a better place for her son. She has written 10 award-winning books, she has owned two teen health clinics, founded Healing Minds Hypnotherapy, created ReStory EFT and founded and mentored thousands of teens with her Teen Confidence Academy. You can find Jacqui and her work at these links.Until next week, get well, be safe, stay Above. Jackie Letran Jacqui on Amazon Jacqui on Instagram Jacqui on Facebook Jacqui on LinkedIn  

Welcome to episode two hundred twenty seven of Above Ground Podcast. This week TPP and our guest, Jordan are back to discuss the slings and arrows of the emotions of St. Anger. Will comes back next week, to join TPP for an AGP InnerView with Jacqui Letran. Until then get well, be safe, and stay Above. 

Karen Bona has many callings. She is an Ordained Interfaith Minister, a Yoga Teacher, A Reiki Master. The spiritual connection is what weaves those into a beautiful basket full of energy. They allow her to heal and remain closer to the heart.    Hey! It’s time for episode two hundred twenty six of Above Ground Podcast. This week Will is back on the mic and we have our conversation with friend Karen Bona.    This week we cover Karen’s life in recovery. We talk about her search for self acceptance and the fact of teaching is her true calling. She is a Reiki Master and  teaches yoga at both, Heartspace in Albany and Girl Fight Fitness in Latham.    Just a quick heads up, we are covering some heavy stuff on this one. We hold space for these conversations because they have to happen and someone has to do it. Keep reading TPP’s, Never Underestimate the Power of You, or grab a copy if you haven’t. Tim is hosting a Peer Meet Up Sunday October, 15 at 130pm at the Sages Circle 443 Saratoga Rd, Glenville. Until next we meet again, get well, be safe, stay Above. 

 This week Will stepped back for work and his own mental health but fear not, Jordan slipped in and helped us in finding some answers on how we can ask better questions?  How can we, as a whole, start asking better questions. As a society, as leaders, as teachers, as professionals, as friends, and as humans. We continue to deal with mental health issues and at the same time those issues continue to grow. Life was given to us all 1 million years ago, what have we done with it? What are you doing with it? Something is not working… We need a change, but how do we start? And what does it look like?   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, follow us in the socials, subscribe to the podcast, share the podcast and buy us a coffee @ buymeacoffee.com\abovegroundpod.  Check the links for more info and don’t forget to grab a copy of “never underestimate the power of you”, the new book from TPP.  Thanks for the support and as always … Stay above. 

This week on Above Ground Podcast we talk fear.  Facing fear head on.  How to use fear to help you get out of your boxes. It’s time to look fear in the eye and say if not now, when, do we say no to fear.    What’s up everyone, time for episode two hundred twenty four of Above Ground Podcast.  Time to let go of doubt, worry and outcomes.  There is no wisdom without overcoming fear. Hey Ho, let’s go….   We are taking a break from talking about suicide this week, though it is so important. These heavy topics are sometimes even heavy for us. Please dial 9-8-8 if you need to speak to someone or if someone you know is struggling.     Thanks for checking in again and listening to this new episode. Use fear against itself this week and choose you. Until we meet again. get well, be safe, and 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.