In this powerful episode of Telos' Ultimate Potential, Tony and Craig sit down with UFC veteran Court McGee for an honest conversation about the experiences that shaped his life, his career, and his commitment to helping others. Court shares how childhood anxiety led him to martial arts, how wrestling and MMA became a driving force in his life, and how addiction eventually took him down a very different path, including a fatal heroin overdose that became a turning point in his journey. He opens up about sobriety, the 12-step program, fear, family, and the realization that being mentally and emotionally ready was just as important as being physically prepared. Court also talks about his unlikely path back to professional fighting, his experience on The Ultimate Fighter, and why sharing his story became more important than simply winning fights. Ultimately, this is a story about addiction, recovery, resilience, humility, family, and using personal struggles to help other people find hope.CONTACT COURTEmail: crushermcgee@gmail.comLink in our bio or listen on these other platformsYouTube: @officialtelos564 Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJSpotify: https://shorturl.at/GfKWp

When Dan Jones' teenage son began spiraling into addiction, school struggles, and dangerous behaviors, his family found themselves facing impossible decisions no parent wants to make. In this deeply honest conversation, Dan shares the emotional journey of letting go, embracing both love and accountability, and discovering that healing is rarely a straight line. His story is a powerful reminder that our greatest setbacks often become the moments that shape our greatest growth. If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or unsure of what to do next, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope through residential care.CONTACT Dan Jones Email: 21danjones@gmail.com

Link in our bio or listen on these other platforms Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJ

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialtelos564

#TelosPodcast #TelosU #TelosAcademy #UltimatePotential #FaithAndHealing #YouthMentalHealth #MeaningAndPurpose #MentalHealthAwareness #SpiritualWellbeing #HealingThroughFaith #UltimatePotentialPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth #ResidentialTreatmentWorks #ResidentialTreatmentSavesLives

What does it really mean to help an adopted child feel like they truly belong?

In this powerful episode of Ultimate Potential, we sit down with therapist and Telos Executive Director, Reggie Wilson, who brings nearly three decades of experience working with youth and families.

Together, we explore the unique challenges of transracial adoption, why the phrase "I don't see color" can unintentionally create distance, and how parents can foster deeper connection by embracing a child's identity, culture, and lived experience.

Reggie shares practical wisdom, moving stories, and hopeful guidance for adoptive families navigating attachment, belonging, and the lifelong journey of helping children feel fully seen, understood, and loved.

CONTACT Reggie Wilson

Email: reggiewilson@telos.org

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggie-wilson-7671bb281/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18uRHufNpQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

OTHER RESOURCES

C.A.S.E. Center for Adoption Support and Education https://adoptionsupport.org

What White Parents Should Know about Transracial Adoptionhttps://a.co/d/04V6dC6I

Link in our bio or listen on these other platforms

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJ

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialtelos564

#TelosPodcast #TelosU #TelosAcademy #UltimatePotential #FaithAndHealing #YouthMentalHealth #MeaningAndPurpose #MentalHealthAwareness #SpiritualWellbeing #HealingThroughFaith #UltimatePotentialPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth #TransRacialAdoption

In this episode of Ultimate Potential, a mental health podcast, hosts Tony and Craig sit down with Utah State Senator Mike McKell to discuss youth mental health, congregate care reform, and the growing impact of social media on teen well-being.

A 14-year veteran of the Utah State Legislature and practicing attorney, Senator McKell has become one of Utah's most prominent mental health advocates, championing legislation to regulate social media, strengthen oversight of residential youth treatment programs, and protect vulnerable teens in congregate care facilities.

In this conversation, McKell shares what parents should look for, and watch out for, when choosing a youth treatment program, why private equity ownership in mental health facilities raises red flags, and how weak education structures can signal a troubled program. He also opens up about his concerns around AI, social isolation, and a society increasingly disconnected from meaningful community, and what he believes is at the root of America's mental health crisis.

Whether you're a parent researching residential treatment options, a mental health professional, or simply someone passionate about youth advocacy and mental health policy, this episode offers powerful insights from one of Utah's most influential voices in mental health legislation.

CONTACT Senator Mike McKell

Email: mmckell@le.utah.gov

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike.mckell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorMikeMcKell/

Link in our bio or listen on these other platforms

YouTube: @officialtelos564

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJ

#TelosPodcast #TelosU #TelosAcademy #UltimatePotential #FaithAndHealing #SpiritualRecovery #YouthMentalHealth #MeaningAndPurpose #TherapyAndFaith #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #SpiritualWellbeing #HealingThroughFaith #UltimatePotentialPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth #CongregateCare #SocialMediaAndTeens #MentalHealthAdvocacy #UtahPolitics #MikeMcKell

This episode explores the idea that spirituality isn’t something confined to a single hour of worship or a weekly routine, but a lived, continuous presence woven through every part of life. In the context of mental health and recovery, the conversation challenges the notion that faith is separate from treatment or only relevant in religious settings.

Instead, it reframes spirituality as an ongoing framework for meaning, identity, and resilience, something that can guide decisions, relationships, and coping in real time.

Through stories from youth in treatment and the role of faith leaders working alongside clinical care, the episode highlights how integrating spiritual grounding into all 168 hours of the week can become a powerful stabilizing force in healing and personal transformation. CONTACT Rabbi Benny Zippel, Chabad Lubavitch of Utah Email: rabbi@jewishutah.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbi_benny_zippel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rabbi.zippel

Project Heart https://www.jewishutah.com/templates/section_cdo/aid/1784572/jewish/Project-HEART.htmLink in our bio or listen on these other platforms Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialtelos564 #TelosU #TelosAcademy #UltimatePotential #MentalHealthMatters #FaithAndHealing #SpiritualRecovery #YouthMentalHealth #MeaningAndPurpose #TherapyAndFaith #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #JewishUtah #SpiritualWellbeing #HealingThroughFaith #RabbiBennyZippel

In this episode of the Ultimate Potential Podcast, we interview Desmond Lomax, a clinical mental health counselor, leadership consultant, and former corrections professional with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, mental health, and organizational leadership. In this powerful conversation, Desmond shares expert insights on resilience, leadership development, mindset transformation, and conflict resolution—shaped not only by his professional background but also by the deeply personal experience of losing a child to suicide. His perspective offers a compelling look at overcoming adversity, building emotional strength, and developing an outward mindset that improves relationships, accountability, and decision-making. Whether you’re a leader, parent, or professional seeking personal growth, this episode delivers practical strategies for navigating stress, fostering connection, and reaching your ultimate potential.

Follow Desmond on social media

• Instagram - TBD
• Facebook - TBD
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-lomax-cmhc-cpm-1837a439/

Link in our bio or listen on these other platforms

• YouTube: @officialtelos564
• Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJ
• Spotify: https://shorturl.at/GfKWp

#TelosPodcast #TelosU #TelosAcademy #UltimatePotential #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #EmotionalIntelligence #ConflictResolution #OvercomingAdversity #SuicideAwareness

In this episode, we sit down with Barry Fell, author of Therapy: A Life-changer, A Lifestyle, Or a Waste of Time, to unpack one of the biggest questions in modern mental health: does therapy truly transform lives, or has it quietly become just another routine? Barry shares insights from his clinical experience and research, challenging common assumptions about what therapy is supposed to accomplish and who it’s really for. We explore when therapy can be a powerful catalyst for growth, when it risks becoming stagnant, and how individuals can approach the process with intention to get real results. Whether you’re therapy-curious, currently in counseling, or skeptical about the whole idea, this conversation offers a balanced, thought-provoking look at how to unlock genuine progress instead of just going through the motions.Follow Barry on social mediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/fell.barry/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/barryfell.11Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-fell-034183bb/Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Therapy-Life-changer-Lifestyle-Waste-Time-ebook/dp/B0FHC3Q9STLink in our bio or listen on these other platformsYouTube: @officialtelos564 Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJSpotify: https://shorturl.at/GfKWp #TelosPodcast #TelosU #TelosAcademy #UltimatePotential #MentalHealthPodcast# TherapyTalk #BarryFell #LifeChanger#PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #EmotionalWellness#MentalHealthMatters #PsychologyConversations

Welcome back mental health enthusiasts. In this episode of the Telos.org podcast, we sit down with Dr. Will White, founder of Stories from the Field, to explore the powerful connection between mental health and outdoor therapy. With more than 30 years of experience in wilderness therapy and experiential mental health treatment, Will shares firsthand stories from the field that highlight how nature-based interventions help adolescents and young adults build resilience, emotional regulation, and personal responsibility. The conversation examines the evolution of wilderness therapy programs, the science and outcomes behind outdoor mental health care, and why experiential approaches remain some of the most effective tools for treating anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. This episode is a must-listen for parents, therapists, educators, and anyone interested in the future of adolescent mental health treatment.Follow Will on social mediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/storiesfromthefieldpodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534825310Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/19rViPH7K7VE1YKAkRmNF0?si=335937200d42449cApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-the-field-mental-health-and-the-outdoors/id1769441080Visit his website and podcastWebsite - https://storiesfromthefield.comPodcast - https://storiesfromthefield.com/the-episodesLink in our bio or listen on these other platformsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialtelos564/videos Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/tDGSJSpotify: https://shorturl.at/GfKWp #TelosPodcast #WildernessTherapy #OutdoorMentalHealth #ExperientialTherapy#AdolescentMentalHealth #MentalHealthInNature #StoriesFromTheField #TherapeuticOutdoors #NatureBasedTherapy #TelosU #TelosAcademy #UltimatePotential