Psych Health and Safety Podcast USA

Dive into Episode #154 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Adam Nemer, a former healthcare CFO whose lived experience led him to an awareness of the importance and the business case for focusing on workplace mental health. In this episode, Adam shares not only his own deeply personal story of dealing with mental illness, but he also shares data about how a focus on workplace mental health addresses several business imperatives. Investing in workplace mental health isn't just an ethical responsibility; it's a strategic business decision that directly impacts productivity, retention, and overall company performance.

Dive into Episode #153 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Lawanda Hall, a risk and insurance professional, about the importance of understanding and managing risk of all kinds as a strategy for overall organizational effectiveness and sustainability. While many risk management programs and professionals focus on the risks that affect the organization, they can at times underestimate and under-focus on risks that impact the human beings in the organization. When most people hear the word “risk,” they tend to think of physical hazards like chemicals, flammable materials, slippery floors, faulty wiring, or heavy machinery. Interestingly, some people don’t have a fundamental understanding of what risk is. Without this understanding, it is challenging to manage any risk, whether it be physical or psychosocial. Ms. Hall believes that it is essential to focus on all aspects of risk, including those that involve the people in the organization, if for no other reason than the organization can not exist without people.

Dive into Episode #152 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Carl Knight, the Chief Safety Officer for the Baltimore City Fire Department. Deputy Chief Knight is not only responsible for the safety program for the 1600 members of the fire rescue department, but he is also an active member of the department’s dive rescue team. During the team’s response to a major incident, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024, after being struck by a container ship, and the January 2025 plane crash near the DC Airport. Chief Knight has developed a sense of calm that is noticeably superior to that of other team members. This mindset is not only present during specific events and incidents, but extends over into how he lives his life.

Dive into Episode #151 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guests Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson, Dr. Andrew Holter, and Mat Jeanius. The panel for this episode will approach the concept of psychological health and safety from an “Organizational Theraupic Psychology” lens, as a mental health professional that deals with both organizations and the individual within those organizations. - Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson is a returning guest from Episode 24. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist and corporate mental health consultant. - Dr. Andrew Holter is a returning guest from Episode 9. He is an organizational psychologist and manager in a public health organization in the Washington, DC area. - Mat Jeanius is a returning guest from Episode 132. He is a Marriage and Family Therapist who focuses on the wellness of black males. The panel discusses the current state of psychological health and safety in the United States, offering insights into the future.

Celebrating our 150th Episode with an Exclusive from PHSCON 2025!To mark this monumental milestone, we are giving you a front-row seat to a powerhouse conversation straight from the main stage at the Psychological Health and Safety Conference 2025.In this special feature presentation, host Dr. I. David Daniels is joined by global psychosocial safety leader Kana’e Dyas to explore the critical "what, why, and how" of inclusive work design. They go beyond the buzzwords to provide a practical blueprint for leaders in OHS, HR, and management who are dedicated to creating genuinely supportive and psychologically healthy workplaces.In This Landmark Episode, You Will Discover:Actionable Strategies: Learn how to move from theory to practice in designing work environments that accommodate a diverse range of employee needs and perspectives.Psychosocial Hazard Mitigation: Uncover methods for identifying and addressing psychosocial risks rooted in a lack of inclusion, in alignment with ISO 45003 principles.The Power of Co-Design: Understand why involving employees in the design process is critical for fostering authentic equity and belonging.Overcoming Barriers: Address common obstacles that prevent organizations from building a true culture of respect, collaboration, and workplace mental health.Global Perspectives: Hear insights from two world-class experts on the cutting edge of psychological health and safety.This isn't just a discussion; it's an essential guide for anyone committed to the future of workplace mental health and safety.Featured in this Episode:Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS: Host of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, Founder/CEO of ID2 Solutions, and author of “Psychosocial Hazards Are Real.”linkedin.com/in/i-david-daniels-phd-cert-safety-director-0bb50b29/Kana’e Dyas: Workplace Support Manager - Psychosocial Safety, Wellbeing and Respect at Work for Anglo American, and a multiple award-winning leader in trauma-informed psychosocial management.linkedin.com/in/kanaedyas/Prefer to watch?To see the full presentation live from the stage, you can watch the video version of this landmark episode on the FlourishDX YouTube channel.Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/FlourishDX

Dive into Episode #149 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast with host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Simmone Bowe, leadership development consultant and founder of Limitless Life, a boutique training and HR consulting firm helping business leaders refine people strategy, performance improvement, leadership development, executive and career coaching, and mentorship.Organizational limits can become psychosocial hazards when they create stress, uncertainty, or negatively impact employees' mental well-being. Here’s how:• High Job Demands: Excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, and constant pressure can lead to chronic stress and burnout.• Lack of Control: When employees have little say in how they perform their work or are given limited decision-making authority, it can lead to frustration and helplessness.• Poorly Managed Organizational Change: Frequent restructuring, downsizing, or mergers without clear communication can cause anxiety and insecurity.• Unclear Roles and Expectations: Conflicting responsibilities or vague job descriptions can lead to confusion and stress.• Limited Support: A lack of social support from colleagues or supervisors can make employees feel isolated and vulnerable.• Inadequate Reward and Recognition: Feeling undervalued or underappreciated can lead to demotivation and resentment.Ms. Bowe’s expertise in training, development, HR, and leadership provides a unique perspective on how individuals and organizations can break through these limits to become truly limitless.

Dive into Episode #148 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Gloria Hartley, the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech University. She is also the child of immigrants, a veteran of the United States Navy, and has spent over a decade in and around the human resource space in both the private and public sectors. One of her professional goals has been to convert conversations about Civil and Human Rights into practical language and steps that people can take to protect workers and the organization. Civil rights and psychosocial safety are deeply interconnected. Civil rights ensure that individuals are protected from discrimination and have equal access to opportunities, which is fundamental for creating a safe and inclusive environment. Psychosocial safety, however, refers to the psychological and social conditions that allow individuals to feel safe, respected, and valued in their communities and workplaces. Individuals are more likely to experience psychosocial safety when civil rights are upheld because they are protected from discrimination, harassment, and other forms of harm. This creates an environment where people can express themselves freely, participate fully in society, and feel a sense of belonging. Conversely, when civil rights are violated, it can lead to a lack of psychosocial safety, resulting in stress, anxiety, and other adverse mental health outcomes. LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriamhartley/

Dive into Episode #147 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and (Episode 41) returning guest Dr. Joe Grasso, a Clinical Psychologist, Workplace Mental Health Strategist, and Vice President of Workforce Transformation at Lyra Health. Dr. Grasso will be a featured speaker at PHSCON 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Grasso will share his assessment of the State of Psych Health and Safety in the United States during this episode. While the USA has been a decade and a half, there are clear signs that organizations understand the imperative of addressing workplace mental health in a systemic way.

Dive into Episode #146 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Monique Parker, 2025 Senior Vice President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) talks about her career as a safety professional, her ascension to President of the ASSP in 2026 and the future of the safety profession, including her view regarding the importance that psychological health and safety will play. The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) was founded on March 25, 1911. It was initially established as the United Association of Casualty Inspectors in response to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, a tragic workplace disaster that killed 146 garment workers. The organization later changed its name to the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) in 1914. Then, it adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect the evolving nature of the safety profession. After over twenty years in the safety profession, Ms. Parker will be become the 11th woman in the history of the ASSP and the first black woman to serve as president of the society.

Dive into Episode #145 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Louise Esola, a workers' compensation-focused journalist with Business Insurance, a role she has held for nearly 20 years. Psychological injuries are often more challenging to quantify than physical injuries, and the compensation awarded can depend on factors such as the severity of the condition, its impact on the employee's ability to perform their job, and the evidence provided to support the claim. Workers' compensation is handled differently in every state in the United States and even within the same state when it comes to psychological injuries. Ms. Esola will share her perspective on this important topic, which she has gained from the many worker's compensation stories and cases that she has covered over the years.

Dive into Episode #144 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Keidra Norwood, a human capital risk and safety consultant and founder of Egan Rose Consulting. Ms. Norwood is also a motivational speaker who specializes in helping people overcome imposter syndrome. With over 20 years of experience in risk management, compliance, change management, and executive advisory services across various industry sectors, Ms. Norwood helps her clients mitigate human capital risk by optimizing policies, empowering leaders, and providing strategies grounded in holistic employee engagement. She focuses on enabling organizations to put the human back in human capital and in conducting “safe space sessions” to help “unbreak the souls” of especially women that have been exposed to toxic work environments.

Dive into Episode #143 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and returning guest Amy Roosa, the founder of “the Safety Rack,” a non-profit that advocates for equity in PPE for women. The Safety Rack has just recently launched as a nonprofit, and one of its first efforts is the release of the Equity Report. This document documents the challenges that women across the globe have in acquiring PPE that fits. There are some interesting trends when comparing workplace injury rates to workforce representation. Those who identify as male make up about 53% of the workforce, but they account for a significantly higher proportion of fatal occupational injuries, approximately 92% each year. However, the gap narrows regarding nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work (DAFW). In 2021-2022, those identifying as female experienced 46% of the DAFW cases. This indicates that while men are more likely to suffer fatal injuries, women are more likely to experience nonfatal injuries that require time off work. In the case of psychological injuries, such as mental health issues, there are distinct patterns between men and women. Women are more likely to experience common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders and to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. On the other hand, men are more likely to die by suicide, with three times as many men as women dying by suicide. Men also report lower levels of life satisfaction and are less likely to access psychological therapies compared to women. An argument could be made that when an organization has an equitable approach to health and safety, both women and men benefit.

Dive into Episode #142 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Fire Chief Chris Tubbs, a veteran of over 45 years in the fire rescue service in two states, including the last 17 as a Fire Chief. In 1995, Chris was a member of FEMA’s Washington Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 that responded to the Oklahoma City Bombing. The lasting impact of the Oklahoma City Bombing on those who responded has been profound and multifaceted. A longitudinal study conducted nearly 25 years after the event revealed several key findings: 1. Psychological Impact: Many responders experienced long-term psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The trauma of the event had a lasting impact on their mental health. 2. Resilience and Coping: Respondents also demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the challenges. Many found meaning and affirmation in their work, reaffirming their commitment to helping others. 3. Personal and Professional Relationships: The experience significantly affected their personal and professional relationships. Some reported strained relationships with family and friends, while others found renewed purpose in their careers. 4. Sense of Pride: Many responders expressed pride in participating and did not regret their involvement. They felt that their service honored both the survivors and their profession. 5. Need for Support: The study highlighted the importance of ongoing support for responders, including emotional and psychological assistance. Many felt that the attention to their emotional and psychological recovery was limited Chief Tubbs and Dr. Daniels discuss their recollection of responding to the incident and other topics related to psychological health and safety in the fire rescue service.

Dive into Episode #141 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Robert Avsec, a retired fire battalion chief now a freelance writer, mental health advocate and a member of the Fire Services Psychology Association. Chief Avesc has dedicated himself to helping construct a bridge between the fire rescue service and the psychology community. Firefighters face significant psychological challenges due to the nature of their work, including PTSD from exposure to traumatic events, depression and anxiety from the high-stress environment, and burnout from physical and emotional demands. Substance abuse can sometimes arise as a coping mechanism, further affecting mental health. Irregular hours often lead to sleep problems, and witnessing tragic events can result in grief and loss. Moreover, there is a stigma around seeking mental health support within the firefighting community, which can prevent individuals from getting the help they need. Comprehensive psychological support and awareness are crucial for addressing these challenges.

Dive into Episode #140 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Stephanie Williams, a Chief Diversity Executive at a higher and continuing education institution. Ms. Willams is charged with advising executive leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion-related strategies to address a more diverse community of staff, faculty, and students. College campuses have become more diverse over time. Recent data shows a significant increase in the enrollment of students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. For instance, the share of white students has decreased from 66.8% in 2011 to 55.5% in 2022. Hispanic student enrollment increased from 11.2% to 18.5% during the same period, and Asian student enrollment grew from 7.3% to 9.7%. These changes reflect broader demographic shifts in the U.S. population and highlight the importance of diversity initiatives on campuses nationwide. However, it's important to note that simply having a diverse student body isn't enough; fostering meaningful interactions across different social groups is also crucial for reaping the benefits of diversity.

Dive into Episode #139 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest John Dony, the Co-Founder and CEO of the What Works Institute. The What Works Institute is a think tank focused on research and solutions on environmental, health, and safety (EHS). It aims to provide practical, participatory models and tools to address critical and emerging issues in EHS. Its approach includes research, experiential learning communities, and modernized metrics to help organizations achieve and sustain excellence. One of John’s goals as the leader of the institutes is to provide safety and health-related data, research, and information to the safety profession and beyond much quicker than traditional approaches. The focus on “What Works” is intended to introduce a solution-based approach to everything the Institute does. Before WWI, John served in a senior leadership role at the National Safety Council for nearly two decades.

Dive into Episode #138 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Rob Loose, who discusses his journey into safety from his early roots in human resources to an “accidental safety “ professional, now involved in the development of a safety-focused AI in use in the contraction industry that puts a safety assistant at the individual’s fingertips. The state of mental health in the construction industry is concerning, with mental health struggles emerging as the deadliest danger. Studies reveal that over 5,000 male construction workers die from suicide annually, a rate five times higher than work-related injuries. This alarming statistic highlights a crisis that has only recently gained public attention. Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are prevalent among construction workers, exacerbated by high-stress environments, long hours, and job insecurity. Despite growing awareness, mental health issues remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, with fewer than 5% of construction workers seeking professional help. Efforts to address this crisis include mental health first-aid training and suicide prevention initiatives, but implementing these measures faces significant challenges. To learn more, go to www.SafetyEHD.com or contact robbyl@stoutllc.com.

Dive into Episode #137 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Linda McGhee about her journey from a career as a government finance litigator to a second career as a clinical psychologist. There is a documented shortage of psychologists in the United States. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 60% of psychologists reported having no openings for new patients in a 2022 survey. However, filling the shortage has several issues, including some that are safety-related. The wide-ranging conversation discussed her career and some of the distinctions that exist in the field of psychology. Dr. McGhee also discusses some of the psychological challenges of the field itself and some of the linens and credentialling issues that contribute to the lack of mental health providers in the United States.

Dive into Episode #136 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Jesslyn McCutcheon, a mental health counselor and author about lived experience living with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. People with bipolar disorder can experience intense emotional states, which can include episodes of feeling overly happy and energized and, at other times, feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish. These episodes can vary in duration and frequency. However, with proper treatment and management, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives. Jessyln will not only speak about her experience but share a bit about her new book “Fighting Goliath’” which chronicles her experience dealing with the giant in her life, bipolar disorder.

Dive into Episode #135 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Sahca Thompson. Ms. Thompson was a guest on Episode 32 and now returns to discuss the DEI backlash that has manifested in the past few years. The backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts can be attributed to several factors: · Some people misunderstand DEI initiatives, believing they lead to reverse discrimination or exclusion rather than fostering true inclusion. · Some employees perceive that DEI initiatives benefit certain groups at the expense of others, leading to feelings of being left out or disadvantaged. · DEI efforts have become politicized, with some viewing them as part of a broader cultural or ideological agenda. · Early enthusiasm for DEI sometimes led to rushed implementations and vague definitions, which failed to address deeper systemic issues. · Organizations fear lawsuits and financial repercussions, leading some to scale back or quietly continue DEI efforts without publicizing them.