Voices of Resilience

Episode 22: Rock ‘n’ Roll, Addiction and Redemption

Karen and Rick talk with her youngest brother, Matt Wilkof. Matt was only 15 when they lost their father to suicide, opening up a journey of addiction, grief, redemption and resilience. This is his inspirational life story told through his words and music.

Making the Invisible Visible: Shining a Light on Mental, Physical and Emotional Illnesses

Harper Spero, business coach, podcast host, and writer talks with Rick and Karen about navigating invisible illness. Her story of resilience encourages us all to advocate for ourselves and to live compassionately.

To learn more visit harperspero.com

Episode 20: National Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week

In honor of National Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week, we talk with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center addiction specialists Dr. Julie Teater and Mohamad Moinzadeh about hope, healing, treatment and the path forward. By breaking down barriers for those struggling and humanizing them, we can build more empathy throughout society for everyone effected by addiction. 

If you or someone you know needs help with drug or alcohol addiction, please call:  614-257-3760 or visit The OSU Wexner Medical Center Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Services website. 

Episode 19: Panic, Anxiety and Running Towards Good Mental Health

Dr. Adel Korkor, grew up unknowingly with panic disorder. Now, through running 5Ks in all 50 states in 50 days, he’s working to raise awareness for mental health through his foundation, AB Korkor Foundation for Mental Health.  His hope is that someday society will realize mental health is something that affects us all. Taking care of our minds and taking care of our bodies is synonymous. When we all look at mental health the same way we look at physical health, we can feel and function better as humans.  

 

Episode 18: Carrying the Grief of Infertility, Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Pregnancy Loss

Dr. Tamur Gur of The Ohio State University discusses the grief of pregnancy loss, stillbirth and infertility with Karen and Rick. After suffering a deep, personal loss with the stillbirth of her daughter, Dr. Gur is working to eliminate the profound loneliness and stigma attached to women struggling with pregnancy loss, infertility, and maternal mental health.

Episode 17: Remembering the Resilience Within Us

Hosted by Rick and Karen Milenthal……We finish the year how we started, with Dr. Luan Phan Chairman of The Ohio State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, talking about how the pandemic has shaped us permanently as human beings. Reminding us all that hope and resilience beat strongly inside our core, and with gratitude we can keep moving forward together.

Episode 16: Dani’s Dream; Their Passion

Danielle Leedy was a vibrant, strong, powerful life force, and young woman. At age 33, she lost a long battle to chronic depression. Donna and Jeff Heck, Dani’s parents, founded 33 Forever in her honor. 33 Forever, a nonprofit, is operated by Dani’s family and friends, working together, using their knowledge, passion, and resources to positively impact everyone affected by the mental health crisis. By generating awareness around mental health challenges our society faces each day, Danielle’s family and friends strive to bring hope, healing and encouragement to those who struggle to find any.

Episode 15: Veterans Day: Rallying to Find Resilience

Rick talks with Lt. General Michael Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired), President and CEO of The National Veterans Memorial and Museum about leadership, adversity and providing a “rally point” to find resilience.

Episode 14: Liberation Through Sharing Vulnerabilities

Rick talks with Achea and Michael Redd. After being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Achea’s shame and fear of her diagnosis only caused her greater suffering. By accepting and acknowledging the situation with the support of her husband, Michael Redd, her condition improved. Michael realized his lack of knowledge surrounding mental health issues, treatments, and stigmas, rolled up his sleeves and went to work in better understanding and empathizing with his wife’s struggles. Working alongside her to break stigmas and drive more open conversations around mental health, they were both able to grow through their challenges together. Michael and Achea’s experience taught them that empathy is the connection that unites them both. By understanding and loving each other through their challenges, they can help navigate their struggles and journey together.

Episode 13: Improving Disparities From Birth

Patricia Gabbe, MD, pediatrician, clinical researcher and professor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center began Moms2B ten years ago in Columbus, OH. By creating an innovative, community-based pregnancy program for low-income women, Dr. Pat has helped improve the health status of at-risk communities by empowering pregnant women to deliver full-term healthy babies, reduce infant mortality, and eliminate racial and economic disparities. By recognizing inner strength and resilience in other women, she hopes to change disparity gaps for generations.