In this powerful and deeply compassionate episode, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas talks with Monica Kramer McConkey, one of the nation’s leading voices on rural and agricultural mental health, about the silent crisis facing farm families across America.Monica brings both clinical expertise and lived experience—she grew up on a farm in northwestern Minnesota and has spent over 30 years supporting agricultural communities through depression, addiction, and suicide loss. Together, Sally and Monica explore the intersection of isolation, economic pressure, and cultural stoicism—and how resilience, connection, and tailored interventions are changing lives across rural America.Listeners will gain insight into how we can bridge the urban-rural divide in mental health, build suicide-safe communities, and sow hope where it’s needed most. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/155
Ever wondered how to partner with AI tools without losing the human element, or how to integrate mental health skills into daily workflows? This episode delivers.A former NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneer who once battled the silent pressure of “lonely at the top,” Alex Willis now helps construction leaders build safety cultures where both bodies and minds are protected. Alex shares his personal turning point -- how experiencing depression and isolation during his NFL years shaped his mission to protect what matters most: people.In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Alex and I explore how AI-powered tools -- used wisely, not as a replacement for human care -- can spark more effective conversations when mental health concerns arise at work.Hear how one innovator is proving that technology, blended with empathy and evidence, can move us beyond awareness into real skill-building. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/154
Healthcare workers give their all, but too often, the system gives little back when it comes to protecting their mental health. In this Hope Illuminated episode, I sit down with Corey Feist, Co-Founder & CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, to talk about moral injury, systemic solutions, and the strategies that actually work.Together, we unpack how confidential peer support, equal privacy protections in mental health care, and humane re-entry pathways can restore dignity and safety to those who care for us. Corey’s work has helped drive landmark federal legislation, shift national culture, and spark movements that reach over 1.5 million healthcare workers.This episode isn’t just for healthcare leaders. If you care about building psychologically safe workplaces —in medicine or beyond — you’ll walk away with actionable strategies for protecting wellbeing, reducing stigma, and honoring the humanity of workers everywhere. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/153
In this powerful episode, Scott LoMurray, TIME100 Health honoree and CEO of Sources of Strength, shares how his organization has transformed youth suicide prevention through peer leadership, strength-based storytelling, and community-driven culture change. We unpack the evidence, the vision, and the movement that’s shifting suicide prevention from reaction to resilience. for mor einformation on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/152
What if the most powerful suicide prevention tool we have… is time?In this groundbreaking episode, suicide prevention expert Dr. Gergö Hadlaczky shares insights from science, strategy, and lived experience about how creating time—even just a few minutes—can change the trajectory of a suicidal crisis.We explore the rapidity of suicidal crises, how emotional intensity and suicidal thoughts often pass with time, and why time-buying can often help people win the internal debate around living or dying.Time gives people a second chance at life and a fighting chance to survive. For mre information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/151
Why do we fear emotions, particularly in cultures where strength is defined by stoicism? What if we reframed emotions not as liabilities, but as essential survival systems?When are get stuck in our emotions like fear, grief, anger, and guilt, we’re not failing. Our emotions are over-functioning. Emotional systems have evolved "fail-safe" systems; they won’t stop to help us survive. And while that keeps us alive, it can also overwhelm us. In this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated, I sit down with Russell Peterson, a counselor, military mental health specialist, and wilderness survivalist. Russell introduces his compelling “Technology of Survival” framework, illustrating how emotions such as fear, grief, anger, and guilt have evolved to keep us alive.When emotions are seen through a survival lens, we begin to understand their purpose, reduce shame, and reclaim our humanity.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/150
In this episode, we explore one of the most urgent yet often overlooked crises facing high-risk industries: suicide in construction. Our guest, Sebastian Ison-Jacques, brings a powerful blend of personal experience, academic research, and sector insight to this critical conversation. From digital construction to workplace mental health, Seb’s mission is to expose what’s broken and help build something better. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/149
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Dr. Eva De Jaegere from Belgium to explore the stories behind suicide through the lens of psychological autopsy. Together, they discuss Dr. Eva’s research on suicide risk in middle-aged adults, revealing surprising findings about the role of work stress, financial worries, and the importance of open conversations about suicide and mental health. Discover how listening to the stories of both survivors and those left behind can bring healing, challenge stigma, and shape more effective prevention strategies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in suicide prevention, lived experience research, and the power of storytelling to spark change.Follow Dr. Sally at www.sallyspencerthomas.com
In this inspiring episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Sandersan Onie, a global leader in mental health promotion and suicide prevention, for a powerful conversation about the importance of intellectual humility and meeting people where they are. Listen as Dr. Onie shares personal stories of overcoming trauma, highlights the critical role of religion and culture in suicide prevention, and reveals how he helped spark transformative policy change in Indonesia. The episode also explores using technology and empathic messaging to reach those in crisis, emphasizing community-based strategies that honor local beliefs and language. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt storytelling, and actionable lessons for anyone passionate about mental health and saving lives.Follow Dr. Sally at www.sallyspencerthomas.com
In this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sits down with Alex Bush, a resilient young advocate who began sharing her story after losing her father to suicide at 16. Together, they discuss the vital role of personal storytelling in suicide prevention, the impact of youth voices on mental health advocacy, and actionable strategies for engaging with both traditional and social media. Alex shares her journey from grief to national speaker, offering insights on making a real difference in communities and supporting others who have experienced loss. Tune in to hear inspiring advice for storytellers, mental health leaders, and anyone seeking hope and connection in challenging times.Follow Dr. Sally at www.sallyspencerthomas.com
Join Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas as she sits down with Lyseria Kursave, a resilient trans woman and union electrician, for an honest conversation about living authentically, navigating personal and professional challenges, and the intersection of gender identity and mental health. From overcoming isolation and workplace discrimination to the importance of community and allyship, this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated sheds light on the lived experiences and hope-filled advocacy of the trans community. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, education, or a deeper understanding of how solidarity and compassion make a difference in the fight for mental well-being and equality. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/surviving-and-thriving-intersection-of-identity-mental-health-and-trans-resilience-with-lyseria-kursave-ep-145
In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Selma Gaily-Luoma to explore the transformative role of agency in suicide prevention. Agency, defined as the sense of control and capacity to influence your thoughts, behaviors, and circumstances, is a cornerstone of psychological resilience. We delve into how fostering a sense of agency can be a powerful antidote to feelings of entrapment and despair that often accompany suicidal crises.For mor information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/unlocking-agency-in-suicide-prevention-with-dr-selma-gaily-luoma-episode-144
Join host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas in a compelling conversation with Dr. Simon Hatcher from the University of Ottawa. The discuss the intricacies of police suicide, mental health challenges, and how these insights can aid high-risk industries. Discover the importance of involving lived experience in mental health research and the challenges faced by underserved populations. With personal stories, expert insights, and a focus on social justice, this episode sheds light on creating more inclusive and effective mental health support systems. Tune in to explore how we can better empower and uplift those facing mental health struggles. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/the-power-of-testament-addressing-social-justice-in-mental-health-research-among-our-most-vulnerable-populations-with-dr-simon-hatcher-ep-143
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas talks with Dr. Holly Wilcox from Johns Hopkins University to explore the transformative impact of the Good Behavior Game. They cover upstream approaches to suicide prevention, emphasizing skill-building in early childhood to improve mental health outcomes. Discover how focusing on education and emotional regulation can mitigate risks and build resilience in communities, potentially changing life trajectories. Join us in learning how a public health approach could be key to saving lives and augmenting quality of life. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/upstream-suicide-prevention-changing-lives-using-the-good-behavior-game-with-dr-holly-wilcox-ep-142
Join Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas as she discusses into the powerful role of lived experience in transforming suicide prevention strategies. In this episode of "Hope Illuminated," featuring guests Kier McKechnie and Seonaid Stallan from Glasgow, Scotland, discover how integrating real-life experiences into policy and program development can inspire meaningful change. Learn about the innovative approaches taken by Scotland's National Suicide Prevention Action Plan and the significance of honoring those who've navigated the profound challenges of suicide loss or survival. Together, they're making a difference—one story at a time. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/how-scotlands-panel-is-shaping-suicide-prevention-with-personal-insights-from-keir-mckechnie-seonaid-stallan-ep-141
In this powerful episode of Hope Illuminated, host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas speaks with John Cornelius about generational trauma in tribal communities, his personal journey from Pine Ridge Reservation through military service to peer support specialist, and how Native communities are finding healing through cultural reconnection and community-driven solutions. A moving conversation about historical wounds and modern hope. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/addressing-generational-trauma-in-indigenous-communities-with-john-cornelius-ep-140
Dr. Pierluigi Mancini shares his pioneering work in building culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services. Learn how addressing language barriers and cultural understanding can transform crisis intervention and addiction recovery outcomes for immigrant communities. An essential conversation about making mental health support accessible to all.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/the-power-of-multilingual-support-in-recovery-with-dr-pierluigi-mancini-ep-139
Explore how agency and empowerment can transform suicide prevention with researcher Dr. Luke Bayliss. Learn why shifting from forced interventions to collaborative approaches that respect individual choice and dignity may be key to helping those in crisis reclaim control of their lives. Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and Bayliss discuss groundbreaking research on agency in suicide prevention and practical ways to expand options beyond traditional crisis responses. for more information on this episode gp to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/empowerment-matters-how-understanding-personal-agency-can-transform-suicide-prevention-with-luke-bayliss-ep-138
Join host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and guest Barb Smith as they discuss supporting communities after suicide through active postvention. Learn about the vital role of loss teams, victim advocacy, and proactive outreach in helping survivors navigate grief, reduce isolation, and find hope. Discover evidence-based approaches that demonstrate why early intervention matters for those impacted by suicide loss. For more information on this eppisode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/supporting-communities-in-the-aftermath-of-suicide-why-we-need-to-be-proactive-with-barb-smith-ep-137
Dr. Renad Beidas joins me to discuss a compelling study highlighting the critical importance of firearm safety in pediatric care. Dr. Beidas brought profound insights from her recent research involving 30 clinics implementing firearm safety conversations as part of pediatric visits. The study’s two-pronged approach—using both an updated electronic health record template and additional facilitation—remarkably increased the program's reach, with 49% of kids receiving the program when facilitation was involved, compared to a mere 22% with the template alone. This initiative responds to a pressing need for pediatricians to discuss secure firearm storage with parents, an effort underscored by the tragic statistic that firearm injuries are now the leading cause of death among youth. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/one-minute-to-save-lives-teaming-up-with-pediatricians-and-families-to-keep-kids-safe-with-dr-rinad-beidas-ep-136