Best Juan Acosta Podcasts (2025)

1
Healing and Harmony in American Indian Communities Featuring Mechelle Negrete and Stephanie Robertson 24:08

3d ago24:08

24:08

This episode is part of NAMI’s recognition of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Saturday, August 9. In this episode, guest host Stephanie Robertson, Director of Mental Health Equity Innovation, is joined by Mechelle Negrete, NAMI’s Manager of American Indian Mental Health Community Outreach. They discuss their experiences with …

1
Ep. 35: The Power of Prayer and Business: Ryan Skoog and Marketplace Mission 49:54

2d ago49:54

49:54

Faith Ventures welcomes Ryan Skoog—serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for melding business with kingdom impact. Faith Ventures is also proud to introduce our new co-host of the podcast Matthew Bellis, whom many listeners will recognize from our previous Good News Bad News show at LCI. Ryan shares his unique journey fro…

1
What Comes Next for Mental Health and Medicaid Featuring Jennifer Snow and Hannah Wesolowski 43:12

10d ago43:12

43:12

In this follow-up conversation about Medicaid and mental health advocacy, NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski discusses Medicaid cuts and advocacy opportunities with Jennifer Snow, NAMI's National Director of Government Relations and Policy. Listeners will hear their expert opinions on how Medicaid cuts just passed by Congress will impa…

1
The Importance of Mental Health Care for Minoritized Communities Featuring Dr. Sheldon A. Jacobs and Dr. Judith Joseph 46:51

24d ago46:51

46:51

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of her legacy, this episode features Dr. Sheldon A. Jacobs and Dr. Judith Joseph in conversation with NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. Our guests share their mental health stories and what drove them to become mental health professionals. They also discuss helping…

1
How Consistency Supports Communities After Traumatic Events Featuring Erin Raftery Ryan and Dr. Shauna "Doc" Springer 1:00:40

1M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Following their previous conversations in episodes 63 and 70, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined again by NAMI Westside Los Angeles CEO Erin Raftery Ryan and Stella Mental Health Chief Psychologist Shauna “Doc” Springer. This episode asks us to consider how we continue to support communities after traumatic events occur and after the news i…

1
Pride, Mental Health, and Advocacy Featuring Juan Acosta 28:21

1M ago28:21

28:21

In this episode recognizing Pride Month, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Juan Acosta, a mental health advocate and LGBTQI+ activist. During this conversation, the group explores Juan’s mental health journey, how he mixes mental health and LGBTQI+ advocacy, what change he hopes to see, and what’s next for him. They also discuss the Cal…

1
Faith and Compassion in Mental Health Featuring Christian Bentley 46:36

2M ago46:36

46:36

The relationship someone has with their faith community can have a big impact on their mental health journey. In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. and Christian Bentley discuss how Christian’s Catholic faith and community have helped him navigate the bipolar 1 disorder diagnosis he received. Their conversation explores how self-accepta…

1
Bonus Edition: Join Us for NAMICon! 2:09

2M ago2:09

2:09

In this bonus drop, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is personally inviting you to join us for NAMICon 2025! NAMICon is where hundreds of dynamic and important voices unite to improve mental health for all through awareness, education, and advocacy. It’s a space where personal journeys are celebrated, positive change takes root, and new connections…

1
Ep. 34: Living a Life of Significance, with Mark Whitacre 36:17

2M ago36:17

36:17

Faith Ventures welcomes Mark Whitaker, Vice President of Culture and Care at Coca-Cola Consolidated, to share a fascinating journey of Christian faith in the workplace. Mark tells us how the company changed dramatically under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Frank Harrison, who implemented a mission statement to honor God in all they do. Listener…

1
Treasuring Moms’ Mental Health Featuring Kate Kennedy-Lynch, Barb Solish, and Alessandra Torresani 50:02

2M ago50:02

50:02

Becoming a parent brings many changes to anyone’s life. To add to the changes, balancing new or forthcoming parenthood with mental health conditions might feel difficult. In this episode, guest host Barb Solish, NAMI’s National Director of Innovation, is joined by Kate Kennedy-Lynch, NAMI Director of External Relations, and Alessandra Torresani, ac…

1
Mental Health Care Rooted in Community Featuring Dr. Sidney Hankerson 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

In this episode, Stephanie Robertson, NAMI’s Director of Mental Health Equity Innovation, is joined by Dr. Sidney Hankerson, Associate Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. They discuss the incredible work being done in local communities by Dr. Hankerson’s work with the HOPE Center …

1
Living With Anxiety and Thriving as Young Adults Featuring Srihitha Dasari, Nadiyah Fisher, Anuj Gandhi, and Caitlyn Jennings 1:00:32

3M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

May is National Anxiety Awareness Month, so four members of NAMI Next Gen joined NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to talk about their experiences with anxiety. In this episode, Srihitha Dasari, Nadiyah Fisher, Anuj Gandhi, and Caitlyn Jennings share stories about their mental health journeys with us. Their conversation will cover their personal exp…

1
Take Time to Recharge Featuring David Ko 48:08

3M ago48:08

48:08

Taking care of your health includes mental health, too. In this episode, NAMI CEO and host Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined in conversation with David Ko, CEO of Calm and author of the #1 bestselling book, “Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery One Conversation at a Time.” Together, they discuss why David wrote “Recharge,” how Calm highlights men…

1
Braver Through Hope With NAMI HelpLine Volunteers Featuring Megan Rochford, Madison Rubert, and Dave Tippett 37:49

4M ago37:49

37:49

At NAMI, we work to ensure that anyone experiencing mental health conditions knows that they are not alone. The staff and volunteers on our NAMI HelpLine and Teen & Young Adult HelpLine work on the frontline, responding to phone calls, texts, and chats from people seeking help. Today, host and NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by two NAMI …

1
Caring for Communities After Traumatic Events Featuring Erin Raftery Ryan and Dr. Shauna "Doc" Springer 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

Following their previous conversation in episode 63, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined again by NAMI West Los Angeles CEO Erin Raftery Ryan and Stella Mental Health Chief Psychologist Shauna “Doc” Springer. This episode asks us to consider how we continue to support communities after traumatic events occur and after the news is no longer “…

1
Medicaid and Mental Health: What Changes Could Mean for Our Community Featuring Sue Abderholden, Anita Burgos, and Hannah Wesolowski 29:53

4M ago29:53

29:53

In this episode, NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski guest hosts a special episode about Medicaid’s importance for the mental health community. Hannah is joined by NAMI Minnesota Executive Director Sue Abderholden and NAMI’s Director Public Policy, Anita Burgos. Together, they discuss the potential changes to federal Medicaid funding, w…

1
Mental Health is Health Featuring Elliott Connie 48:01

4M ago48:01

48:01

In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Elliott Connie, a psychotherapist and advocate for mental health. This discussion focuses on Elliott Connie’s solution focused therapy practice, men’s mental health, and opening up conversations about mental health within Black communities. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI …

1
10 Years of Stepping Up With the National Association of Counties Featuring Matthew D. Chase 46:59

5M ago46:59

46:59

As part of National Criminal Justice Month, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Matthew D. Chase, CEO/Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo). As long-time friends and colleagues, they will reflect on efforts to divert people with mental illness from the criminal justice system, including 10 years of the Stepping…

1
Honoring Women in Mental Health Featuring Jamie Gray Hyder, Alessandra Torresani, and DeWanda Wise 39:37

5M ago39:37

39:37

NAMI was founded by families coming together in an alliance to advocate for mental health care and an end to discrimination against mental illness. While many family members were part of our founding, it was largely women leading at the helm. In this episode of “Hope Starts With Us,” we’re joined by three NAMI Ambassadors: guest host Alessandra Tor…

1
What Employees Need for Their Mental Health Featuring Darcy Gruttadaro and Brit Wanstrath 25:27

5M ago25:27

25:27

NAMI released our second poll about workplace mental health on February 27. The poll was conducted in partnership with Ipsos and highlights key findings for employees’ mental health at work. NAMI’s Chief Innovation Officer Darcy Gruttadaro serves as our guest host in discussion with Brit Wanstrath, NAMI’s Manager of Workplace Mental Health Initiati…

1
Understanding Lived Experience With Eating Disorders Featuring Johanna Kandel and Alexandra Miles 45:25

5M ago45:25

45:25

As part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is joined by Johanna Kandel (National Alliance for Eating Disorders) and Alexandra Miles (Project Blackbird). Together, they discuss stigma facing those living with eating disorders, barriers to recovery, and what each guest wishes people knew about eating disorders. Connec…

1
How To Care for Neighbors After Traumatic Events Featuring Erin Raftery Ryan and Dr. Shauna "Doc" Springer 44:32

6M ago44:32

44:32

In the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025, many of us have questions about how we can best support those who have lost their homes, their memories, and their places in the world. This episode of “Hope Starts With Us” features NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. in conversation with NAMI West Los Angeles CEO Erin Raftery Ryan and St…

1
Ensuring Mental Health Access for All Featuring Darcy Gruttadaro and Stephanie Robertson 36:43

6M ago36:43

36:43

In this episode, guest host Darcy Gruttadaro is joined by NAMI’s new Mental Health Equity Director, Stephanie Robertson. During their discussion, listeners will learn about the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA) and the Crisis Can't Wait campaign, Black History Month, mental health equity, and actions NAMI is taking to expand access to care fo…

1
Respect for Lived Experience With Schizophrenia and Psychosis Featuring Dr. Ken Duckworth 26:18

7M ago26:18

26:18

In 2023, NAMI produced the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Lexicon Guide. In this episode, NAMI CEO Dan Gillison, Jr. is joined by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth to explore why the language we use to talk about schizophrenia and psychosis matters. Throughout their conversation, listeners will learn about the impact using empathetic language ca…

1
New Year, More Impact With NAMI – Episode 60 30:55

7M ago30:55

30:55

As NAMI approaches its fiftieth anniversary as the nation’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization, NAMI’s Chief Development Officer is chatting with our Chief Innovation Officer, Darcy Gruttadaro. Throughout their conversation, listeners will hear about NAMI’s updated strategic priorities, our plans for growing our impact in 2025, …

1
Reflections on NAMI's Growth – Episode 59 9:20

8M ago9:20

9:20

In this episode, NAMI Ambassador and Licensed Professional Counselor Elise Banks-Lovely joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss NAMI’s past. Recorded at NAMICon 2024 in Denver, Colorado, Elise and Dan reminisce on the nine years Elise has served as a NAMI Ambassador and the growth the alliance has experienced. As we wrap up this year, we’…

1
Ep 33: Speaking Truth & Staying Courageous, with Dean Zarras 42:26

8M ago42:26

42:26

Faith Ventures welcomes Dean Zarras, serial entrepreneur and the Founder-CEO of ClearFactor. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the "hockey stick" effect in societal progress and the crucial role of cultural respect and innovation. The conversation touches on thought-provoking books, the misconceptions about markets, sharing ideas within ou…

1
Suicide Prevention and the Legislative Process – Episode 58 24:49

8M ago24:49

24:49

NAMI’s National Director of Government Relations, Policy, and Advocacy, Jen Snow, talks with NAMI Greater Los Angeles County Executive Director Traute Winters about suicide prevention. During the holidays, many of us enjoy time with family and friends, but for many others, these can be trying times of increased loneliness. In this episode, listener…

1
Leading and Living with Bipolar Disorder – Episode 57 31:32

9M ago31:32

31:32

During National Veterans and Military Families Month, Major General Gregg Martin and NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. come together to talk about what it means to be a leader – and how a leader can be changed by a late-onset mental health diagnosis. Listeners will hear General Martin talk about his mental health story, leadership and living with a …

1
Ep. 32: Godly Management, with Ryan Patierno 32:57

9M ago32:57

32:57

Faith Ventures welcomes Ryan Paterno, Vice President of Facilities at EOS Fitness, to unpack what it means to be a manager led by the spirit of God. Ryan brings a remarkable blend of career experience and faith-based leadership to the table. From his beginnings in retail and property management to his current role overseeing operations at one of th…

1
The Healing Power of Art – Episode 56 31:21

9M ago31:21

31:21

Art can help us process past experiences, explore our emotions, and expand our perspectives. In this episode, NAMI CEO Dan Gillison is joined by NAMI Ambassadors and artists Alex Alpert and Pepper Auerbach, as well as The Franklin Institute’s Dr. Jayatri Das. Together, they discuss how art impacts mental health, as well as the connection between ph…

1
Ep. 31: Technology and Prayer, with Matthew Potter 43:07

10M ago43:07

43:07

Faith Ventures welcomes Matthew Potter, co-founder of Pray.com, to explore the intersection of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship. They delve into the intricate journey behind the seemingly "overnight success" of Pray.com, which took nearly eight years to materialize, and how unconventional beginnings and innovative approaches fueled its growt…

1
Running for Mental and Physical Health in the Black Community – Episode 55 51:32

10M ago51:32

51:32

As we look ahead to the TCS New York City Marathon, we are in awe of the athletes that have trained so hard and are about to take on the grueling 26.2 mile course through the five boroughs of New York. In this episode we will talk to Race Director Ted Metellus, who has made history as the first Black race director of an Abbott World Marathon Major,…

1
Ep. 30: Seek Out Good Counsel, with Jake Wiskerchen 1:06:16

10M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

Faith Ventures welcomes Jake Wiskerchen, professional counselor and entrepreneur helping others in the realms of mental health and emotional well-being. This episode dives deep into Jake's thought-provoking insights on the crucial role of core emotions in our lives, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of authentic connections within a …

1
A Journey to Great Family Support – Episode 54 15:52

10M ago15:52

15:52

In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., is joined by NAMI Connecticut's Public Policy & Affiliate Relations Manager, Thomas Burr. Thomas shares his family's story of navigating his son's mental health condition, along with how the challenges accompanying the condition impacted their family. Listeners will learn how NAMI's programs and su…

1
Moving Forward After Loss – Episode 53 30:28

11M ago30:28

30:28

In this episode for Suicide Prevention Month, author and NAMI Ambassador April Simpkins talks with NAMI's CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., about how she has moved forward after the loss of her daughter, Cheslie Kryst, to suicide. Tune in to hear from April about how she intentionally models positive mental health habits for her children. This episode w…

1
Helping Caregivers Show Up for Youth Mental Health – Episode 52 33:49

11M ago33:49

33:49

For parents and caregivers, navigating youth mental health may be unknown territory. In this episode, NAMI’s CEO, Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., is joined by our Associate Medical Director and author of “You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers,” Dr. Christine Crawford. Together, they explore what signs parents and caregivers should watch for, how to…

1
Mental Health for Third Culture Kids – Episode 51 15:40

12M ago15:40

15:40

Pooja Mehta, a member of NAMI’s Board of Directors, discusses her personal mental health journey with NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. During this episode, Pooja shares why she focuses on youth engagement about mental health and her experience growing up as a ‘third culture kid’ while navigating her own mental health. You can find additional episod…

1
Vulnerability is Our Superpower – Episode 50 34:29

1y ago34:29

34:29

How do you navigate a mental health challenge when your community isn’t supportive or doesn’t have mental health awareness? For our 50th episode of “Hope Starts With Us,” NAMI’s CEO, Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., discusses faith, community, and mental health. He is joined by NAMI Next Gen member, Mary Lawal, to explore the intersections of those three c…

1
Strong Black Women Need Help Too – Episode 49 47:54

1y ago47:54

47:54

The stereotype of the “strong Black woman” can be a barrier to mental health care. In this episode, guest host April Simpkins talks about the pressure of living at the intersection of Blackness and womanhood, as well as initiatives from NAMI to address the Black and African Ancestry communities. She is joined by Miss Alaska USA 2018 and NAMI Ambass…

1
Mental Health Care in Minoritized Communities – Episode 48 39:25

1y ago39:25

39:25

In honor of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI’s CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., is joined by Harold Turner, Executive Director of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, and Tracy McMillan, a relationship expert and television writer. In this episode, Dan and our guests explore mental health equity in minoritized communities, n…

1
Ep. 29: "One More Faithful Step," with Kyle Scott 28:04

1y ago28:04

28:04

Faith Ventures welcomes content creator, video producer, and entrepreneur Kyle Scott. Kyle reflects on his inspiring career journey, starting from his days as a sports anchor to transitioning into independent video production driven by his passion for excellent storytelling. Kyle dives deep into the importance of pre-planning and beginning with the…

1
What It Means to "Man Up" – Episode 47 26:14

1y ago26:14

26:14

Randy Ryan, host of NAMI Westside LA’s “Man Up” podcast, joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., for this episode. In their discussion, hear about what it means to perform masculinity and “be a man” during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, plus how mental health impacts veterans and service members. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI …

1
Remembering George Floyd – Episode 46 36:57

1y ago36:57

36:57

Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association, joins NAMI CEO Dan Gillison, Jr., in remembrance of George Floyd and to discuss how his murder, as a result of police violence, shifted conversations about racism and mental health in the United States. Throughout this conversation, they explore the challenge to increase equit…

1
Ep. 28: "Never Skip Any Steps," with Nathan Newton 27:13

1y ago27:13

27:13

Faith Ventures welcomes Nathan Newton, president of Brian's Masterpiece in Las Vegas. In this episode, Nathan shares his journey from the professional kitchen to the workshop, discussing the profound ways radical honesty and faith have shaped his relationships with clients and employees. He recalls for us how working in the corporate world prepared…

1
Representation’s Impact on Health in Our Communities – Episode 45 54:35

1y ago54:35

54:35

NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., speaks to Dr. Hernando Carter, an internal medicine physician based in Birmingham, Alabama. They discuss the importance of caring for the health care professionals in our communities in honor of National Hospital Week, as well as bridging care gaps for underrepresented communities and developing increased represent…

1
Ep. 27: Thinking Really Big, with Juan Acosta 33:37

1+ y ago33:37

33:37

Faith Ventures welcomes tech entrepreneur Juan Acosta. We dive into his inspiring journey integrating faith and business, and how this philosophy has shaped his entrepreneurial endeavors. Juan shares his personal story of immigration, early entrepreneurship endeavors, and educational exploration, all while coming to grips with deeper faith during s…

1
Turning to Art and Community for Mental Health Support – Episode 44 29:28

1+ y ago29:28

29:28

As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, NAMI is talking about ways to take the moment for our mental health. Guest host Alessandra Torresani is joined by artist Alex Alpert to explore how art can act as a coping strategy when faced with mental health challenges. The pair also discusses how communication and community can be keys to navigating life…

1
Ep. 26: Pro-Life Meets Fintech, with Arturo del Rio 32:54

1+ y ago32:54

32:54

Faith Ventures welcomes Arturo Del Rio, partner and chief mission outreach officer at Pro Life Payments. We take a deep dive into the journey of a man who has woven his faith into the fabric of his entrepreneurship, from his early days serenading diners to a total career shift into the tech industry despite not having a technical background. His st…

1
Stress Awareness Month – Episode 43 24:48

1+ y ago24:48

24:48

In this episode of NAMI’s podcast, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. speaks to mental health advocate and Peloton instructor, Jon Hosking. They will discuss the barriers for men seeking mental health care, stress awareness and the intersection of mental health and physical health. You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at na…

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Juan Acosta Podcasts

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