Most of us were taught how to treat others — but nobody taught us how to treat ourselves. Jessica Graham, mental health therapist, private practice owner, and children's author, is working to change that from the ground up — literally. She goes into preschool classrooms with a chime and a children's book, teaching kids mindfulness before they even know what the word means.

In this conversation, Mitchell and Jessica explore why self-love is a skill, not a personality trait — and why the window to build it is shorter than most parents realize. They get into practical grounding techniques that actually work with resistant teens (hint: ditch the breathing exercises), the neuroscience behind why a sour candy can calm a nervous system, and why therapy doesn't always have to be a years-long commitment.

Jessica is also the author of The Love Inside, a children's book centered on self-love and emotional development, born out of a simple question she asked her own kids — and the blank stares she got back.

If you work in behavioral health, lead a team, or just find yourself being harder on yourself than you'd ever be on a friend — this one's for you.

The conversation delves into the complexities of leadership, the impact of organizational restructuring, changes in behavioral health services, and the role of AI in the industry. Mike Fidgeon shares insights on resetting the business, the CCBHC model, crisis walk-in centers, and building relationships with law enforcement. Mitchell discusses the impact of organizational restructuring on employees and the importance of equipping frontline managers for change.

Takeaways

• Navigating complexity in leadership
• Impact of organizational restructuring on employees

Chapters

• 00:00 Navigating Complexity in Leadership
• 07:14 Crisis Walk-in Behavioral Health Centers
• 12:18 Building Relationships with Law Enforcement
• 20:16 Equipping Frontline Managers for Change
• 26:01 The Impact of AI on Behavioral Health Services

The conversation with Candace Thompson covers the work of Yeahyoutoo, a community-based organization dedicated to trauma-informed care and support for former convicted female felons. It explores the challenges of helping people, the benefits of hiring convicted felons, considerations for organizations looking to hire this population, and misconceptions about helping others.

Takeaways

• Trauma-informed care
• Supporting convicted felons

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Yayutoo
• 05:22 Benefits of Hiring Convicted Felons
• 17:36 Misconceptions About Helping Others