Mental Filter

Episode Notes Understanding Neurodivergence: Beyond the Buzzword Join us for a powerful conversation with Sierra Grandy—attorney, speaker, and advocate—as we dive deep into what neurodivergence really means beyond the popular buzzword. Sierra brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this essential discussion, sharing her journey from childhood mental health struggles through electroconvulsive therapy to eventual diagnosis with autism and ADHD as an adult. In this episode, we explore: What neurodivergence actually means (and why it's more than just a trendy term) The difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences How masking works and why it's both protective and exhausting The intersection of mental health, chronic pain, and neurodivergence Why accommodations benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals Practical advocacy and the importance of "nothing about us without us" Sierra candidly discusses her path from surviving multiple hospitalizations to becoming a thriving advocate, revealing how proper diagnosis transformed her understanding of decades of struggles. This conversation challenges assumptions about disability, accommodation, and what it means to create truly inclusive systems. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, support someone who is, or simply want to better understand the diverse ways brains work, this episode offers invaluable insights into building a more accessible world for everyone. Hosted by: Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C long time therapist, trainer, and consultant. Learn more about him at www.cbtbaltimore.com Resources mentioned: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), questifyyourlife.com, sierragrande.com Support the show by rating, sharing, and helping us reach more listeners who need these conversations. Find out more at https://mental-filter.pinecast.co

Episode Notes The Education Evolution: A Conversation with a Veteran Teacher In this episode of Mental Filter, we explore the dynamic world of education with Stacey Herring, a high school math teacher with over 26 years of experience. We discuss the evolution of education, changes in technology and state testing, and the introduction of vendor-based curriculums. Stacey shares her personal journey, the ups and downs of teaching, the impact of social media, and the mixed motivations of students. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on students' social behaviors and mental health, the challenges of classroom discipline and accommodations, and the declining profession of teaching. Stacey offers a candid perspective on the realities and future of the education system. So much to listen to! Thank you for listening. Please, kindly support us by rating, reviewing, and sharing :) Shmuel Fischler https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/about/team/shmuel-fischler/?swcfpc=1 00:00 Introduction to Education Discussion 01:28 Meet Stacey Herring: A Veteran Math Teacher 03:16 Early Teaching Experiences 05:21 Changes in Education Over the Years 10:24 Impact of Technology on Education 17:42 Challenges in Modern Education 24:19 Teacher Hiring Challenges 25:13 Impact on Student Mental Health 27:21 The Role of Accommodations in Education 33:20 Discipline and Authority in Schools 39:04 COVID-19's Impact on Education 42:21 Bullying in the Digital Age 44:44 Keeping Up with Former Students 47:05 Advice for Aspiring Educators Find out more at https://mental-filter.pinecast.co

What's your first thought when you hear about a house fire or mass casualty? It's likely to run out of the building or immediately get to safety. For our first responders, their instinct is to run into the burning building and towards the gunfire. This week's episode features Chaya Deitsch, of the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office department of Emergency Management, in which she shares the adrenaline that comes with an emergency and how solutions to different emergencies come about. To learn more about emergency management, you can simply do a quick search of your local government and emergency management opportunities in your area! Thank you again to Chaya for joining us for this conversation! And thank you to our loyal listeners (and for sharing this with your local ice cream man). Shmuel Fischler, LCSW-C www.cbtbaltimore.com

At least once in our lives, we will experience loss, whether it be loss of a career, a family member, a sense of security, or a significant other. Today's podcast co-host, Capt. Kelsie Hancock, shares her story of love, loss, and resilience, when she lost her fiance, Capt. Nick "Sloppy" Losapio and the crew of Swift-11 in an MV-22B training exercise in Holtville, CA on June 8, 2022. Kelsie has a unique story, but unfortunately, not a unique experience as a significant other who has lost their partner due to a line of duty death or mishap. If you want to further connect with Kelsie and learn more about The Purple Skies Foundation, you can visit their website, thepurpleskiesfoundation.com or follow them on Instagram @thepurpleskiesfoundation. Today's episode is in memory of the crew of Swift-11, including Capt. Nicholas Losapio, Capt. John J. Sax, Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, and LCpl. Evan A. Strickland. Views expressed here are opinions and are not representative or on behalf of the DoD. Thank you for taking the time to listen, like, and subscribe to Mental Filter. If you'd like to sponsor an episode of Mental Filter, please reach out to us using the email [email protected]. Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/

If you've seen the news at any point since October 7, 2023, you are more than well aware of what's been happening in Israel. Both the events happening and the response to the events worldwide can be difficult to process, but what's even harder is being on the frontlines. This week we sat down with tour guide and army reservist, Arky Staiman, to hear about his experience working with the IDF. When Arky isn't on the frontlines, he is helping to spread the love and connection between the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland of Israel. You can learn more about Arky via his website, israelwitharky.com, or connect with him on Instagram @israelwitharky. Today's episode was sponsored by our very own practice, CBT Baltimore. CBT Baltimore really supports the mission of disseminating and sharing meaningful, helpful content for the public. Thank you for all of your likes, shares, subscribes, and running after your mailperson to tell them all about Mental Filter. Until next time! Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/