Coffee with CuraLinc

Coffee with CuraLinc is a short-form podcast series from CuraLinc Healthcare that examines the trends, key features and challenges associated with workforce, student and family mental health.

The Expanding Definition of Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is no longer just about hard hats and hazard logs. Today, leading employers are expanding their definition of safety to include psychosocial risks, cultural factors, and mental health vulnerabilities—and they’re using data to drive that shift. In this episode, Peter Rutigliano, PhD, MercerWELL Behavioral Health Practice Leader, shares how organizations are using diagnostic tools, behavioral health analytics, and organizational assessments to design workplace environments that prevent harm and support wellbeing.

10-02
25:50

Fix the Culture, Not the People: Designing Work for Wellbeing

This episode features a powerful conversation with Jennifer Moss, a workplace culture strategist and bestselling author of The Burnout Epidemic, Why Are We Here?, and Unlocking Happiness at Work. Through the lens of Workplace Determinants of Health™ (WDOH™), explore how stress, burnout, purpose, and belonging are shaped by the systems, policies, and leadership practices employers control and how fixing the culture can transform mental health and performance outcomes.

09-19
22:36

ROI in Focus: Measuring the Value of Employee Mental Health Support

As healthcare costs rise and mental health programs expand, benefits leaders are under growing pressure to demonstrate value, not just in terms of employee wellbeing but also in terms of financial outcomes. But not every program delivers a measurable return. In this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc, host James B. Stanton and CuraLinc’s COO, David Pawlowski, break down how to define, measure, and maximize ROI for your mental health program, backed by peer-reviewed data and real outcomes.

07-31
15:43

News from the Hill: Legislative Trends Shaping Employee Wellbeing

Legislation, regulations, and executive orders coming out of Washington are shaping the future of employee healthcare and benefits, and raising new questions for HR leaders and plan sponsors. In this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc, host James Stanton is joined by health policy expert Chris Condeluci to break down what’s happening on Capitol Hill. From mental health parity compliance and fiduciary responsibilities to the ripple effects of DEI-related executive orders, we talk through the headlines, explain what matters, and help you stay one step ahead.

06-26
24:43

Mental Health at Work: What’s Changing, and What Still Needs To

In this special Mental Health Awareness Month edition of Coffee with CuraLinc, host James B. Stanton sits down with Grace Lichtenstein, CuraLinc’s Director of Training, for a timely and thoughtful conversation about the evolving landscape of mental health in the workplace.This episode explores the most requested mental health training topics from employers this year and why they’re striking a chord right now. We’ll examine what’s shifted (and what hasn’t) in how mental health challenges are showing up at work, how people access support, and what it means for the people leaders who are expected to support others while also managing their own wellbeing.

05-23
18:43

Healing the Whole Person: MSK and Mental Health Care in the Workplace

Musculoskeletal pain and mental health challenges often go hand in hand, yet many employers address them separately. In this episode, host James Stanton speaks with Dr. Bret Sullivan of SimpleTherapy and Melissa Nuñez of CuraLinc to explore how integrated care models can break down these silos. Learn how whole-person support can improve outcomes, reduce barriers to care, and benefit both employees and organizations.

04-24
19:43

Partnership for Total Wellbeing: Complete support for a thriving workforce

Prioritizing employee wellbeing requires the right blend of resources to support the whole person. This episode of Coffee with CuraLinc explores how CuraLinc and Marquee Health are redefining support through a high-touch, human-first approach enhanced by comprehensive digital tools to drive real behavior change.Join James B. Stanton, SVP of Marketing at CuraLinc, and Jonathon Short, Co-founder and President of Marquee Health, for a discussion on why a 360-degree approach to employee wellbeing is the key to stronger engagement and better outcomes.

03-27
19:15

Coffee with CuraLinc | Shaping the Future: CuraLinc’s Vision for Innovation

Our Chief Product Officer, Matthew J. McCreary is joined by our Senior Vice President of Marketing, James B. Stanton. Together, they discuss the future of employee assistance programs and digital mental health innovation. They explore key trends shaping mental health and employee wellbeing and what’s ahead for supporting your workforce.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and stay informed on the latest advancements in employee wellbeing!

02-27
25:03

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection with Oshi Health

In this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc episode, we’re diving into the powerful link between digestive health and mental wellbeing. Tune in to learn how understanding and supporting the mind-body connection can lead to a healthier, more balanced workplace. We’re excited to feature Dr. Steve Feinstein, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in gut-brain interventions and a behavioral health provider at Oshi Health, alongside CuraLinc’s Director of Innovation, Kaushal Pethe. Together, they discuss the powerful connection between digestive health and mental wellbeing and share insights into supporting a holistic approach to workplace wellness.

11-21
11:05

Debunking Myths: How Employers Can Address Social Determinants of Health

In this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc, we explore the social determinants of health (SDOH) and their impact on personal and professional wellbeing. Despite increasing awareness, there are still persistent myths and misconceptions about the true scope of SDOH and how they can be addressed. Listen to Elisha Engelen, MA, LMFT, Vice President of Aon's Health Transformation Team and CuraLinc’s Director of Product, Melissa Walker, MBA, RD, debunk SDOH myths and explore actionable steps employers can take to address SDOH in the workplace.

10-24
19:29

Suicide Awareness and Prevention in the Workplace

With suicide rates on the rise, it’s more important than ever for employers to implement strategies that foster a supportive environment and address mental health concerns proactively. In this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc, host Courtney Burns, LCSW, CEAP sits down with Kara Schneider, Benefits Analyst at Schneider, to dive into the critical topic of suicide awareness and prevention in the workplace. Discover practical strategies for handling sensitive situations and creating a culture where employees feel comfortable reaching out for help.

09-19
12:44

Building a Resilient Workplace Amidst Social Division

In this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc, we tackle the impact of political tension and social division on the workplace. Our expert speakers discuss how current events, including elections, can increase employee anxiety and stress. You'll learn strategies to create a psychologically safe environment, implement supportive policies and encourage respectful dialogue, helping to maintain harmony and inclusivity at work.

08-22
17:07

Meeting Employees Where They Are: Creative Ways to Use Your EAP

While the stigma surrounding mental health has lessened in recent years, open discussions about mental wellbeing are still uncommon, especially in the workplace. Most employers offer benefits to address mental health needs, but simply having a program in place is rarely enough to engage and care for employees.   Join us for this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc featuring special guest Kami Reuter, Well-Being Director at CNO Financial Group. We discuss how CNO Financial Group has built an award-winning healthy culture, recognized by Business Group on Health for excellence in health and wellbeing, named one of America's Healthiest Workplaces and awarded a Bell Seal Award for workplace mental health.   Learn how they’ve leveraged their workforce mental health program to meet employees where they are and guide them to the care they need. Tune in for: A discussion about eliminating mental health stigma in the workplace A behind-the-scenes look at CNO Financial Group’s award-winning wellbeing-driven culture Creative ways to communicate and deliver programming that caters to employees across the spectrum of mental health needs Actionable takeaways for employers to build a healthy workplace environment that empowers employees to thrive

06-20
20:51

Leading the Shift to Proactive Healthcare: Strategies and Solutions for Employers

While preventive measures for physical health are widely known and accepted, mental health tends to only receive attention when symptoms become more severe. In fact, 43% of people who access CuraLinc’s EAP already meet the criteria for clinical anxiety and 30% meet the benchmark for depression. What’s more, counselors are reportedly seeing more severe symptoms from patients along with longer treatment timelines, putting further strain on an already struggling system. There’s clearly an urgent need for a shift in our approach to mental health care. The good news is, there are plenty of ways for employers to address mental health concerns more proactively – which is what we’re talking about on this episode of Coffee with CuraLinc. Tune in for: A look at research surrounding preventing mental illness Actionable tips for promoting mental wellbeing and building resilience in the workplace Why workforce mental health programs must appeal to a wider population, not just those with a mental health concern A sneak peek at our new program feature, Mindstream™: A fitness studio for your mind This episode will be hosted by Suzy Clausen, CuraLinc’s Director of Client Success and Kaushal Pethe, CuraLinc’s Director of Innovation.

05-23
16:00

How an EAP Can Address Complex Mental Health Concerns By Partnering with a Center of Excellence

The percentage of U.S. adults who’ve experienced a serious mental illness or substance use disorder in the past year has been strikingly high, according to the latest SAMHSA data. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 of those with a serious mental illness didn’t seek treatment, underscoring the significant hurdles involved in accessing care, such as cost, not knowing where to go and lack of openings or availability. A workforce mental health or employee assistance program (EAP) is an invaluable resource for employees with mental health or substance use concerns, and when structured the right way, can help navigate participants with more acute issues to the most clinically appropriate care even beyond the EAP. That’s where personalized care planning and navigation for complex cases becomes crucial. By forming partnerships with top-tier treatment providers like Hazelden Betty Ford, an EAP can provide continued navigation to participants to, through and after more advanced levels of care. Join us for our next Coffee with CuraLinc featuring esteemed guest Laura Adams, MSW, LCSW, Senior Outreach Manager for Hazelden Betty Ford, a non-profit mental health and substance use recovery center. Tune in for: The current and increasingly concerning state of mental health and substance use disorders Ways an EAP can (and should) offer navigation to higher levels of care via high-quality partnerships An inside look at the CuraLinc and Hazelden Betty Ford integration and care continuum, catering to those with complex or acute mental health or substance use needs An introduction to the cost savings and programming quality offered by Hazelden Betty Ford

04-25
16:49

Beyond the Body: Understanding the Link Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Chronic pain impacts almost 30% of Americans, many under the age of 39 and up to half of whom also struggle with depression. This proven correlation between physical and emotional pain is often overlooked though, forcing those struggling to do so within disjointed support systems or alone in silence.   Without individualized, integrated care to treat the mental, emotional and physical aspects of chronic pain, people continue to suffer with more than the physical symptoms.   Join us for our next Coffee with CuraLinc as we unpack the overlap between chronic pain and mental health with expert Brad Lawson, former CEO of Fern Health and current advisory board member for The Institute for Chronic Pain and MedZero. Tune in to learn: The definition of chronic pain and how it impacts the daily life of those who experience it  How chronic pain correlates with mental health and impacts employee wellbeing  Why chronic pain often needs multiple layers of care, requiring coordination and integration between benefits and providers  The importance of proactive support that caters to the mental and emotional health of those suffering from physical pain 

03-21
21:35

Supporting the Entire Employee: Helping Parents Navigate Youth Mental Health

With 1 in 5 youth aged 3-17 experiencing an emotional or mental health disorder each year, working parents are grappling with unique concerns more than ever before, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health support for them and their family members.   Join us for our next Coffee with CuraLinc as we dive into the topic of youth mental health with esteemed guest Dr. Joel Axler, MD, FAPA, Partner and National Mental Health Leader at Brown & Brown. We'll discuss the current state of youth mental health and the toll it can take on working parents as well as how workforce mental programs can support the entire family.

02-22
22:21

How Preference-Based Provider Mapping Improves Employee Mental Health

When it comes to their mental health care, employees need the freedom to choose the modality and provider they feel comfortable with. These choices help build the foundation for a strong bond, or therapeutic alliance, between the individual and their counselor or coach.   A high-quality therapeutic alliance is one of the strongest predictors of treatment success. That’s why it’s so critical for EAP providers to keep employees’ preferences at the forefront of the provider-mapping process – not only considering the individual’s clinical needs or preferred modality, but also their cultural background and lived experience.  In this episode, we discuss: What the therapeutic alliance is and how it impacts counseling success  The importance of choice in one’s mental health journey  A behind-the-scenes look at how CuraLinc helps employees find a provider that meets both their clinical needs and cultural preferences  The tangible outcomes associated with a strong therapeutic alliance for employees and employers 

01-18
13:41

From Daily Stressors to Global Crises: How Emerson Supports Global Employee Mental Health

Understanding, empathy and support are essential within a global workforce. Whether employees are located within a tension-ridden area or thousands of miles away, a centralized mental health program can address the entire spectrum of mental health concerns. Join us with special guest, Andi Blaylock, Director of Wellbeing at Emerson Corporation, to learn: – Why Emerson moved to a centralized workforce mental health strategy and how it’s benefited employees  – Strategies Emerson has implemented to support employees with all levels of mental health concerns, from individual stressors to global crises  – How CuraLinc is supporting Emerson’s global support strategy from the top down 

12-19
18:35

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