Behavioral Health Today

College was once promised as a path to security, but for millions, it became the gateway to lifelong debt. In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Sharlee Dixon and Peter Fenger unpack the heavy toll of student loan debt, an issue that now affects nearly 1 in 5 American adults and fuels ongoing political debate. For decades, higher education has been hailed as the great equalizer, a launchpad for upward mob...

The right career isn’t just about what you can do—it’s about what truly fits. It’s about alignment, energy, and authenticity. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon welcomes career coach and entrepreneur Shell Mendelson, whose mission is to help neurodivergent individuals—especially those with ADHD—find work that sparks joy, plays to their strengths, and supports their unique needs. With over 30 years of experi...

This episode goes beyond fitness, it’s about cultivating flexibility, enhancing communication, and showing up fully in life when the world hasn’t always made room for you to succeed. Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness and a trailblazer in adaptive fitness programming for individuals on the autism spectrum. With more than 20 years of experience supporting neurodivers...

Federal funding cuts aren’t just trimming budgets, they’re dismantling the lifelines millions depend on. In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Peter Fenger and Sharlee Dixon unpack the sweeping rollback of public health funding led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration. With a proposed $12 billion in cuts, including $11 billion from the CDC and $1 billion from SA...

Art is the doorway, mentorship is the key, and together, they unlock resilience. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon is joined by Matt Sandoval, CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, an organization transforming trauma into resilience through the healing power of art and mentoring relationships. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, and community engagement, Ma...

We don’t just eat to nourish our bodies—we eat to soothe, to cope, to connect. True healing begins when we ask: what is the hunger really for? In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Jillian Acosta, a registered dietitian who specializes in functional medicine, the psychology of eating, and trauma-informed care. Jillian is the founder of The Root Cause Method, where she blends nutritional therapy ...

Every educator is a first responder to student behavior, let’s make sure they’re equipped to respond with confidence. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Brandy Samuell, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience spanning the classroom, district leadership, and crisis response. From teacher to assistant superintendent, Brandy has dedicated her career to supporting the emotional and ...

The quality of your life is shaped by the quality of your questions. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Topaz Adizes, an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. Topaz is the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, a studio known for its powerful explorations of human connection. A Sundance and Skoll Foundation fellow, his work has appeared at Cannes, Sun...

In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. Anger isn't the enemy—it's a warning light, signaling that something deeper needs attention. When we validate and express it constructively, we unlock empathy, self-awareness, and stronger relationships. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Bronwyn Schweigerdt, LMFT—a licensed psychothe...

We don’t need more treatment manuals—we need more musicians. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Ross Ellenhorn, a pioneering voice in mental health and addiction recovery. As the founder and CEO of Ellenhorn—the nation's most comprehensive community integration program—Ross has spent his career helping individuals heal and thrive within their lives, not away from them. With a joint PhD in S...

In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Ishan Shivanand. Ishan is a distinguished mental health researcher and professor specializing in non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive meditative modalities. As the Founder of Yoga of Immortals (also known as YOI) programs, Ishan has developed innovative wellness initiatives ...

Joy isn’t found — it’s built, one choice at a time. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Kevin Surace.  Kevin is a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, and CEO, known as the father of the Virtual Assistant. With 94 worldwide patents, Kevin has led pioneering work in technology, including the first cellular data smartphone and human-like AI virtual assistant. He is the author of the up...

In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of narcissism, examining how both grandiose and vulnerable traits influence self-esteem, relationships, and the impact of social media on these behaviors. Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Keith Campbell, Professor of Psychology at the University of Georgia and a leading ex...

The news shapes our feelings more than our opinions—don’t let it choose your mood. In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Peter Fenger and Sharlee Dixon unpack something we all wrestle with: our relationship with the news. In a world flooded with headlines designed to spark outrage and steal our focus, it’s easy to feel emotionally hijacked without even realizing it. But what if there’s a better way?

Healing doesn’t start with a diagnosis—it starts with feeling safe enough to be seen. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Manami Yamamoto, MA, LMFT, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Founder of Blue Humming Therapy—a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting holistic mental health within diverse communities. With a compassionate, culturally attuned approach, Manami works wit...

Curiosity calms what judgment clenches. In this episode of the Clinicians Series, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Jon Steele, LMFT—a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with high performers, including athletes and professionals navigating intense pressure. Drawing from his own experience as a former collegiate athlete, Jon brings a deep understanding of both the competitive m...

Nature holds the key to balance—when we align with it, vitality follows. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Michelle Oravitz, founder of The Wholesome Lotus. Michelle began her career as an architect but found her true calling in alternative medicine after acupuncture transformed her health and well-being. Inspired by this personal shift, she pursued extensive training in Ayurvedic and Or...

Your brain isn’t just wired—it’s mapped biochemically, and those signals may hold the key to longevity. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Jennifer Garrison, a leading researcher at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and an adjunct assistant professor of gerontology. Dr. Garrison’s groundbreaking work focuses on neuropeptides—the brain’s chemical messengers—and their powerful in...

Innovation or Inequality? Charter schools bring fresh ideas—but at what cost to public education? In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Sharlee Dixon and Peter Fenger dive into a topic that impacts millions of families: the ongoing debate between public and charter schools. As charter schools rise in popularity, they spark critical questions about funding, resources, and student success. Are they a necess...