• Episode 10 | From Tech Exec Skeptic to Champion for Behavioral Health
    Sep 16 2026
    Jim Callaghan, President and CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, discusses his unexpected path from international business, tech, real estate, and finance into leading a mission-driven behavioral health organization. He reflects on how board service, fundraising efforts like Benavon, and witnessing the impact of programs such as the FRC shifted his perspective on people seeking help and deepened his commitment to leadership that centers dignity, recovery, and community impact in behavioral health services.

    About TURN Behavioral Health Services

    Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.

    About Cloudcast Media
    @Cloudcast-Media

    "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.

    Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.

    About TURN Behavioral Health Services

    Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.

    About Cloudcast Media
    @Cloudcast-Media

    "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.

    Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    1 Std. und 10 Min.
  • Ep. 9 | Why Behavioral Health Needs Leaders With Lived Experience
    Sep 2 2026
    Danny Stone, Vice President of TURN Behavioral Health Services, and Tim Bryson, Program Manager at TURN Behavioral Health Services, discuss their journeys from homelessness—and, in Danny’s case, incarceration—to leadership in California’s behavioral health system. From Danny’s turning point on the edge of a ten-story building to both leaders’ commitment to giving back, the conversation examines recovery, second chances, and how lived experience strengthens support for people facing behavioral health challenges, homelessness, and justice-system involvement in San Diego and across California. Listen Where You Live!

    About TURN Behavioral Health Services

    Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.

    About Cloudcast Media
    @Cloudcast-Media

    "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.

    Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    1 Std. und 9 Min.
  • Ep. 8 | See The Person, Change The System
    Aug 19 2026
    What if the difference between reaching recovery and reaching a breaking point is not simply willpower—but whether someone is seen soon enough and whether help is built to reach them? In this special compilation episode of Behavioral Health Brief, seven conversations come together to tell one connected story about lived experience, human dignity, and the systems that determine whether people receive support before crisis. From military service and family experiences to personal recovery, homelessness, clinical care, veteran support, and health policy, the episode explores how what people live through can become a responsibility to serve others.

    The compilation moves through three themes: what we live through becomes what we give, being seen is the beginning of change, and care must arrive before the breaking point. Guests share how personal experiences can shape professional purpose, how a single interaction rooted in dignity can restore someone’s sense of worth, and how lived experience can strengthen behavioral health care when paired with professional expertise. Their stories show that trust begins when people feel seen as human beings rather than defined by addiction, homelessness, mental illness, or other labels.

    The conversation then expands from individual compassion to the larger systems surrounding care. Through examples of community organizations bridging gaps in housing and basic needs, as well as a deeper look at financial incentives that can discourage early behavioral health intervention, the episode asks what it takes to make support dependable before someone reaches crisis. Across all seven stories, the message is clear: experience can become purpose, dignity can create trust, and lasting change requires communities and systems designed to act earlier. See the person. Build the path. Change the system before the breaking point.

    About TURN Behavioral Health Services

    Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.

    About Cloudcast Media
    @Cloudcast-Media

    "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.

    Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    26 Min.
  • Ep. 7 | Behavioral Health In Crisis: Rethinking How Healthcare Defines And Delivers Care
    Aug 5 2026
    For more than 15 years, Dr. Luke Bergmann has worked inside public health systems in New York and California, confronting a troubling contradiction: behavioral healthcare is designed to respond to emergencies, but not always to prevent them. While nearly every other area of medicine focuses on managing conditions before they become critical, behavioral health continues to organize itself around the language of “crisis.”

    For Bergmann, this is more than a professional concern. His family’s experiences with mental illness and substance use have shown him what happens when people are forced to navigate a fragmented system during the moments when they need coordinated care the most. That fragmentation became painfully clear while Bergmann was trying to help his stepfather, whose severe anxiety was worsening alongside his declining physical health. His stepfather did not experience those conditions as separate problems, yet the healthcare system treated them as though they belonged to two different people. Billing policies prevented his physical and psychiatric needs from being addressed together during the same appointment, forcing him to move between disconnected providers and systems. Eventually, the difficulty of receiving coordinated care became too much, and he stopped pursuing treatment. The experience reinforced Bergmann’s belief that no person should have to be “split in two” simply because the healthcare system has separated the mind from the body.

    Bergmann now challenges behavioral health leaders to replace a crisis-driven model with one built around continuous, integrated support. He argues that hospitals and treatment programs should not be rewarded simply for keeping beds full or repeatedly treating the same emergencies; success should be measured by whether people remain healthy, stable, and connected to care. That change will require behavioral health departments, community health centers, hospitals, and primary-care providers to work together instead of operating as separate institutions. For Bergmann, the future of behavioral healthcare begins when the system stops waiting for people to reach a breaking point and starts building the relationships and services that can keep them well.

    About TURN Behavioral Health Services

    Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.

    About Cloudcast Media
    @Cloudcast-Media

    "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.

    Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    1 Std. und 5 Min.
  • Ep. 6 | Recovery In Action: Finding Strength, Purpose And A New Beginning
    Jul 22 2026
    Jennifer Robbins knows firsthand that recovery is about far more than overcoming addiction—it's about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding trust, and believing that change is possible. On this episode of *Behavioral Health Brief*, Jennifer shares her extraordinary journey from repeated arrests and addiction to becoming a substance use disorder counselor at the very North County Center for Change that helped save her life. Through honesty, resilience, and unwavering determination, she reveals how one difficult decision to ask for help became the turning point that transformed her future.

    Jennifer reflects on the demanding structure of drug court, the mentors who challenged and encouraged her, and the personal growth that came from embracing accountability, faith, and recovery one step at a time. From earning the keys to her first apartment and first car to reconnecting with hope after years of feeling lost, she explains how each milestone represented more than success—it represented a new life. Today, she draws upon those same experiences to connect with clients facing similar struggles, proving that empathy and lived experience can become powerful tools for healing.

    The conversation also highlights the life-changing impact of the North County Center for Change and its collaborative approach to behavioral health, justice, and recovery. Jennifer discusses becoming a published author, mentoring others through their own recovery journeys, and the profound fulfillment of returning to the program as a counselor after once standing in a courtroom as a participant. Her story is a powerful reminder that second chances are real, recovery is possible, and with the right support, compassion, and commitment, people can not only change their own lives—they can inspire others to do the same.

    About TURN Behavioral Health Services

    Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.

    About Cloudcast Media
    @Cloudcast-Media

    "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.

    Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    46 Min.
  • Ep 5 | The Power Of Lived Experience: Inspiring Hope, Healing And Change
    Jul 9 2026
    Jim Callahan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, interviews Dr. Wendy Broughton, COO, about her journey and leadership. Wendy shares her pride in her daughter's graduation and the impact of TURN's work on her family. She discusses the recent strategic retreat, highlighting the board's engagement and vision. Wendy emphasizes the importance of compassion in treatment, noting that therapeutic relationships are crucial for client success. She recounts her 28-year career at TURN, from program manager to COO, and stresses the value of lived experience in the workforce. Wendy also touches on the use of AI in therapy and the rewarding aspects of her role.OutlineIntroduction and WelcomeJim Callahan introduces the Behavioral Health Brief podcast, emphasizing the mission of TURN Behavioral Health Services to improve lives through compassion and expertise.Jim welcomes Dr. Wendy Broughton, TURN's Chief Operating Officer, to discuss leadership, lived experience, and the journey of turning personal recovery into a lifelong commitment to helping others.Wendy expresses her excitement about being on the podcast and reflects on their 10-year working relationship.Jim highlights the growth of TURN from 2006 to 2026, noting the significant achievements and challenges they have faced together.Wendy's Personal MilestoneWendy shares her recent personal milestone of her daughter graduating from UCSB, expressing pride and mixed emotions about her daughter growing up.Wendy recounts how her daughter has been involved with TURN since childhood, donating toys and clothes to the women's residential program, which helped shape her character and sense of giving back.Jim asks Wendy to reflect on specific moments during her daughter's college years, and Wendy shares her daughter's inclusive nature and how she always made sure everyone had a friend.Wendy proudly mentions her daughter's achievements, including finishing her classes early and securing a full-time job in wealth management.Strategic Retreat InsightsJim asks Wendy about the recent strategic retreat with the board, and Wendy praises the board members for their personal experience and dedication to the cause.Wendy describes the retreat as highly engaging, with board members actively participating and providing valuable feedback.Jim and Wendy discuss the importance of the board setting a clear vision and direction for TURN, which they refer to as the "North Star."Wendy highlights the board's commitment to leveling up and engaging at a higher level, contributing to the organization's growth and success.Compassion and Therapeutic RelationshipsJim and Wendy discuss the importance of compassion in their work, emphasizing the need to provide a soft place for clients to land without judgment.Wendy explains that the therapeutic relationship is the number one predictor of successful treatment, and the counselor's empathy and compassion are crucial for client success.Jim shares a story from a guest on his previous podcast, illustrating how compassion can change a client's perception of a program.Wendy reflects on her own journey at TURN, starting as a program manager and evolving into the COO, highlighting the growth and changes she has witnessed over the years.Mentorship and Career DevelopmentJim and Wendy discuss the importance of mentorship and coaching within TURN, with Wendy emphasizing the privilege of imparting wisdom and lessons learned.Wendy shares a personal story about encouraging a program manager to take her licensing exam, which she passed, and how this boosted her confidence and career prospects.Jim and Wendy talk about the value of aligning personal missions with the company's mission, creating a win-win situation for both the employee and TURN.Wendy advises new employees to take care of their own issues and traumas, as suppressing them can lead to burnout, and to be authentic in their work with clients.Guiding Principles and Workforce DiversityJim and Wendy discuss the guiding principles of people, culture, and growth, which drive their decision-making and organizational values.Wendy emphasizes the importance of putting people first, understanding client needs, and maintaining a supportive culture for staff.Wendy highlights the value of lived experience and diverse backgrounds in the workforce, noting that TURN embraces individuals with unique experiences to provide authentic and effective care.Jim encourages listeners to explore opportunities at TURN, whether through internships, volunteering, or career transitions, emphasizing the diverse modalities and growth opportunities available.Treating the Whole PersonJim asks Wendy about the practice of treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis, and Wendy explains the importance of understanding the client's entire dynamic and context.Wendy uses the example of a client with substance use disorder, who might be self-medicating undiagnosed mental illness, to illustrate the need for a comprehensive approach.Jim shares ...
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    46 Min.
  • Ep. 4 | Recovery In Action: Turning Second Chances Into Hope, Purpose And Change
    Jul 9 2026
    Jim Callahan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, hosts a podcast episode featuring Sharon Hill, a program manager with 26 years at TURN. Sharon shares her journey from Compton to addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. She highlights her recovery, starting with a pivotal conversation with a police officer and treatment at California Institute for Women. Sharon discusses her work at Casa Aurora, a reentry program for women, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, vocational training, and community partnerships. She notes the program's success, including five participants now employed by TURN. Sharon stresses the need for honest observation and treatment for those struggling with addiction.Sharon Hill's Introduction and Personal BackgroundJim Callahan introduces the podcast, emphasizing the mission of TURN Behavioral Health Services to improve lives.Jim introduces Sharon Hill, the program manager at TURN and Casa Roi, highlighting her 26-year tenure with the organization.Sharon begins her story, sharing her birth in Pensacola, Florida, and upbringing in Compton, California, emphasizing the stability and love in her home.Sharon discusses her early introduction to alcohol at age 13 and how it led to her addiction to crack cocaine and other substances.Sharon's Struggles with Addiction and HomelessnessSharon describes her rebellious teenage years, seeking freedom from her parents' rules, and her eventual departure from home at age 18.She recounts her experiences with addiction, including her inability to maintain employment and responsibilities due to her substance use.Sharon shares her journey through multiple locations, including West Covina, La Puente, and Pasadena, as she chased drugs and alcohol.She discusses the impact of her addiction on her family, including her son being placed in the child protective services system.Sharon's Incarceration and Turning PointSharon details her multiple incarcerations, including jail and prison, and how her addiction led to homelessness.She recounts a pivotal moment with a police officer, Officer Williams, who treated her with kindness and humanity, leading her to reflect on her life.Sharon describes her eventual incarceration in the state system and her introduction to the Forever Free program at California Institute for Women (CIW).She shares her initial skepticism about treatment but eventually found value in the program, including the 12-step fellowship and the concept of love and accountability.Sharon's Recovery and Career with TURNSharon discusses her transition from homelessness to treatment, including her participation in the Forever Free program and her subsequent employment with TURN.She highlights the importance of her work in recruiting women for treatment and her role in the Female Offender Treatment and Employment Program (FOTE).Sharon shares her experiences working in various programs, including the Drug Treatment Furlough Program and the ACT program in Kern County.She emphasizes the importance of providing structure, support, and vocational training to help participants become productive citizens.Casa Aurora and Its ImpactSharon provides an overview of Casa Aurora, its mission, and the services it offers to women transitioning from incarceration to reentry.She describes the program's focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, vocational training, and community partnerships to help participants find employment and stability.Sharon highlights the importance of the team at Casa Aurora, including facility monitors, vocational teachers, and administrative staff, in providing comprehensive support.She shares her pride in the program's successes, including the growth and development of participants, and her ongoing commitment to helping others in recovery.Sharon's Personal Reflections and AdviceSharon reflects on the importance of self-love, relationships, and understanding one's triggers in the recovery process.She emphasizes the need for honest observation and treatment for those struggling with addiction.Sharon shares her personal journey of finding purpose and passion in her work and her commitment to helping others through mentorship and sponsorship.She concludes with advice for those feeling stuck, encouraging them to seek help and embrace the journey of recovery.About TURN Behavioral Health Services:Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture,...
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    1 Std. und 8 Min.
  • Ep 3 | Mental Health In Action: Connecting People To Care, Hope, and Recovery
    Jun 25 2026
    Jim Callaghan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, and Dr. Laura Otis-Miles discuss mental health awareness, the ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) model, and the challenges and successes in behavioral health. Dr. Otis-Miles shares her personal journey, inspired by her sister's struggles, leading to a career in psychology and community mental health. They highlight the importance of early intervention and the effectiveness of the ACT model, which provides community-based support for individuals with serious mental illnesses. They also address common misconceptions about mental health, such as the rarity of mental illness and the effectiveness of treatment. The conversation concludes with a call to action for mental health awareness and advocacy.Introduction to the Behavioral Health BriefJim Callaghan introduces himself as the CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, emphasizing the organization's mission to improve lives.The episode focuses on mental health awareness, its misconceptions, and the need for greater understanding and action.Jim introduces Dr. Laura Otis-Miles, Executive Vice President at TURN, highlighting her extensive experience in the field.Laura's background includes working with veterans experiencing homelessness and complex needs, and her journey into the field is personal and professional.Laura's Journey into Behavioral HealthLaura shares her personal story, starting with her younger sister who had mental health and learning disabilities.Laura's parents struggled to find appropriate care for her sister, leading to misdiagnosis and refusal to engage in treatment.Laura's father, a law enforcement officer, encouraged her to pursue psychology and public service, which influenced her career path.Laura earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California - Berkeley, and her doctorate from the University of South Carolina, focusing on clinical and community psychology.Professional Career and ImpactLaura discusses her pre-doctoral internship at the University of California - San Diego, and her post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Veterans Affairs.She worked with Vietnam era veterans, helping them navigate the VA system and addressing stigma and discrimination.Laura joined TURN Behavioral Health Services 15 years ago, starting as a Vice President and overseeing various divisions.She emphasizes the fulfillment and reward she finds in her work, particularly in investing in the workforce and creating impact at scale.Veterans and Mental Health AwarenessJim asks Laura about her reaction to Sheldon's story on PTSD (Episode 1), which reminded her of her work with veterans at the VA.Laura explains the differences between returning veterans from the global war on terrorism and Vietnam veterans, noting the reduced stigma.She highlights the importance of outreach and creating accessible services for veterans and their families.Laura discusses the Courage to Call program, which provides support for veterans and military families, and the impact of early intervention and prevention.Mental Health Awareness MonthJim and Laura discuss the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to reduce stigma and encourage early support.Laura emphasizes the importance of engaging in stigma reduction and advocating for funding opportunities.TURN Behavioral Health Services distributes green ribbons to support clients and honor their lived experiences.Laura shares examples of how TURN supports clients during Mental Health Awareness Month, including graduation ceremonies and storytelling opportunities.Myths and Misconceptions in Mental HealthJim and Laura address common myths about mental health, such as the belief that mental health issues are rare.Laura debunks the myth by citing statistics, stating that one in five adults experience mental illness annually, and 50% of Americans will experience it at some point.They discuss the challenges of accessing mental health services, including insurance issues, stigma, and cultural barriers.Laura highlights the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments, such as therapy and medication, in treating mental health conditions.Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) ModelJim and Laura delve into the ACT model, which provides ongoing, community-based support for individuals with serious mental illness.Laura explains that 80% of ACT services are delivered in the field, making it accessible to clients in various settings.The model includes an interdisciplinary team, including psychiatric prescribers and nurse practitioners, who can administer medications on-site.TURN provides six ACT programs across different counties, providing comprehensive services to clients.Challenges and Successes of ACTLaura shares the challenges of implementing ACT during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the need to adapt services to meet clients' needs.She highlights the success of the ACT model in engaging clients and reducing hospitalization and incarceration rates.The model's...
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    1 Std. und 8 Min.