be nice. Podcast: Conversations about Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

What does it really mean to work in psychiatric nursing? Yianna Papadeas joins the be nice. podcast to share her experiences supporting individuals through some of their most challenging moments while helping break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. From forensic psychiatry to social media advocacy, Yianna discusses the power of education, empathy, and honest conversations in creating a more supportive community.

The be nic...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, Christy is joined by be nice. Director of Program & Expansion, Cat Lanting, for a personal conversation about growing up with parents facing mental health challenges. Cat shares openly about her experience growing up with a father living with substance use disorder and how it shaped her own mental health journey. Together, they discuss resilience, healing and the importance of breaking s...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we talk with Megha Parekh of the Jacksonville Jaguars about prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Megha shares how the be nice. action plan was introduced within the Jaguars organization and reflects on the mental health impact of experiencing a traumatic workplace event. We also discuss her involvement with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and why education, awareness, and acces...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we sit down with Roger Bearup, superintendent of Grandville Public Schools, to discuss how his childhood experiences shaped his mental health journey and ultimately influenced his path into education and leadership. Roger shares how those early experiences continue to inform his approach to supporting students, staff, and families, and why prioritizing mental health education in schools is e...

In this powerful episode, Shawn Davis shares the story of his son, Brendan, and the profound journey his family has navigated since Brendan died by suicide. Through courage and honesty, Shawn reflects on the signs that can sometimes go unnoticed and the importance of education and paying attention when someone’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors change. Together, we explore how individuals, families, and communities can use th...

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Rachael Steil — author of Running in Silence and founder of the Running in Silence. A former All-American runner and award-winning coach, Rachael shares her lived experience with disordered eating and the culture of silence in athletics. We discuss warning signs, performance pressure, and how coaches, parents, and athletes can create healthier, more supportive environments where...

In this episode of the be nice. Podcast, we sit down with Eleni Sabracos, who shares her journey of navigating mental health in the fast-paced worlds of New York City and the film and entertainment industry. We explore the power of community, the role of faith, and the importance of setting boundaries. Eleni opens up about the challenges of self-discovery, including how aging and a still-developing frontal lobe impact decision-maki...

On this episode of the be nice. podcast, we talk with John and Gail Urso, founders of Kevin’s Song, about how losing their son Kevin to suicide led them to take action in suicide prevention. What began as a commitment to learn and share more has grown into a mission focused on education, connection, and support for survivors.

John and Gail share why they started Kevin’s Song and how their annual suicide prevention confer...

In this episode, Bella Buck—Christy’s daughter—shares what it was like growing up with be nice. From witnessing the organization’s early days to now being an integral part of the be nice. team and programs, Bella reflects on how her role has evolved over time. She also opens up about her own mental health journey, offering honest insight into growth, resilience, and the lasting impact of having the tools and...

In this episode, we sit down with talented artist Ivan Jenson, who has discovered a powerful creative release through his art. Ivan shares how painting has become more than just a hobby—it’s a way to process emotions, find balance, and connect with his inner self. Join us as we explore the therapeutic power of creativity and the journey of turning passion into personal expression.

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

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we talk with a Grand Rapids musician who turned heartbreak into hope after losing his brother to suicide. He shares how creating his song “Finding Peace” helped him process his grief — and how his brother’s death, while painful, is an important part of the story of his life, shaping who he is and the compassion he carries forward.

We explore how music can be a coping t...

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we sit down with Susan Meekhof to explore her powerful mental health journey and the role art has played as a protective factor in her life. Susan shares how creativity became both a refuge and a tool for resilience — and how she now uses her lived experience to educate others, spark conversations, and promote mental health awareness. Her story is a reminder that healing can take many ...

In this episode, Brittany Midolo shares her extraordinary and painful journey, one that led to a life-changing moment in a courtroom where she was charged with the death of her husband. Unlike many stories of addiction, Brittany didn’t grow up in crisis or extreme hardship — she came from a middle-class family in a good community. Yet a series of events and decisions spiraled into a nightmare that almost destroyed her.

T...

Join us for a powerful conversation on the be nice. podcast with former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple, who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to break the stigma around mental illness. After losing his 15-year-old son to suicide, Eric began using his platform to promote mental fitness, resilience, and hope. His journey from professional athlete to mental health advocate reminds us that real strength comes from ...

Join us for a moving conversation on the be nice. podcast with Madi Klariter, who opens up about a turning point in her life: during a five-year battle with alcohol, she survived not one—but two—near-fatal comas. Rather than letting those emergencies define her, Madi used them as wake-up calls. Now in recovery and living sober, she embodies resilience, self-awareness, and the hope that real change is always possible.

The...

What does the be nice. program look like in the workplace—and why does it matter for business? We sat down with Kristen Mazur, HR Director at Atonne Group, to explore how embracing the principles of be nice. can transform company culture, boost employee engagement, and strengthen teams. Kristen shares real-world insights on fostering respect, communication, and mental health awareness in a professional setting—and be ni...

When Judd Efinfer lost his son, Kyler, to suicide in 2024, his world was forever changed. Rather than remain silent, Judd chose to channel his grief into advocacy—sharing Kyler’s story to spark conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in ski towns. In this episode, Judd opens up about his journey, the impact of stigma, and why creating safe spaces to talk can make all the difference.

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