In this episode of the be nice. podcast, Christy Buck talks with AJ Ackley, social worker, therapist and founder of Real Therapy, about substance use, trauma and recovery. AJ shares his personal journey through addiction, treatment and more than 13 years of sobriety, as well as how his lived experience shapes his work with veterans, first responders and people experiencing PTSD. Together, they challenge the myth that people with substance use disorder simply need more willpower and discuss the importance of recognizing warning signs, understanding trauma and creating space for honest conversations about mental health and recovery.

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, Christy Buck talks with WOOD TV morning anchor Teresa Weakley about suicide loss, complicated grief and the many ways people can be affected when someone dies by suicide. Teresa shares her experience losing her sister, Tara, and how launching her Unashamed podcast became part of her healing. Together, they challenge assumptions about grief and discuss why leading with curiosity can help us better support those who are grieving.

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, Christy Buck talks with national board-certified health and wellness coach, holistic nutritionist and community herbalist Camila Vulkar about how herbalism can complement conventional health care and support whole-person wellness. They bust the myth that herbalism is anti-science, explore the connection between plants, nature and mental health, and discuss everyday herbs like basil and chamomile that may support sleep, stress and overall well-being. Camila also shares how working with an herbalist can help people take a thoughtful, personalized approach to their health.

In this episode, Christy is joined by our be nice. Business Program Coordinator, Erin Aldrich. In addition to her work doing mental health education, Erin is a lifelong competitive dancer and coach. We discuss mental health in the sports world, what it's like to mentor athletes in a subjective sport, and ultimately hear how this coach is empowered to continue melding her interests.

Cam Forton is a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Dr. Lena Brundin at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, MI. His current research concerns the gut microbiome and how its metabolic products can impact human behavior. This work has contributed to a growing body of evidence suggesting that gut microbiome integrity is closely linked to mental health.

Tim Walton is a veteran of the US Navy who served domestically in addition to three deployments overseas. Through an open and honest conversation, Tim shares insight about growing up in a military household, serving overseas, and how today's military are having their mental health impacted.

Christy is joined by another individual who has worked in the mental health field for over 40 years, Dexter Clarke. Together, they break the myth about men in the black community not wanting to address feelings / mental health. When you create spaces where men feel comfortable, they will express their feelings -- Dexter proves this through his series of "Barbershop Talks" in Gennessee County.

In this episode, we are joined by Brittani Decess, a Licensed Professional Counselor who is Trauma Informed and EMDR trained. Britanni and Christy discuss multiple myths that surround mental health within the LGBTQ+ community. We discuss resources that can help individuals to be empowered!

The be nice. Podcast is produced by WKTV Community Media.