Riggs Off The Radio

To me, he's an expert in happiness. He's written books, taught classes, and now has his own MASTERS course in happiness at Centenary University in New Jersey. We talked about what got him into the study of happiness, what happiness ISN'T, and how happiness can impact our overall mental health. 

Five minutes. That's all it takes. Even this podcast is less than 5 minutes (minus the mandated corporate advertisements.) Here's a little positive psychology hack the next time you are either overwhelmed or faced with tasks that you just don't want to do. For more positive psychology follow @HeartHeadHelps. 

If you're ever feeling off - try this little positive psychology trick and check in with your well being - SPIRE is an acronym I've been learning about and wanted to share with ya.  Enjoy!  www.heartheadhelps.com 

Since I'm getting certified in Positive Psychology, I'm learning a LOT and I want to pass that knowledge on to YOU.  This week we'll discuss optimism and how you can start weaving it into your everyday life, producing more positive results and creating a greater sense of natural optimism.  Instead of "Have to" change it to "GET TO".  

WARNING - This episode contains discussion of Carson's suicide attempt at the age of 14.  Carson now uses his voice to advocate for suicide prevention and awareness.  He is sharing the story of his attempt in the hope of saving lives.  Talk can save lives.  You're NOT alone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255 or you can text "HELLO" to 741741 and reach the crisis text line.   @Cmolle35 on IG and TikTok

Creating content for YouTube or TikTok for a living sounds like a kush job, on the surface - but much more goes into it.  If you stress over your social media as a normal every day person, imagine if your BANK ACCOUNT depended on it?  This week we get inside the mind of a content creator.  How did he get where he is, how does he manage the stresses of creating and posting, and what happens if it all goes wrong someday?  We discussed it all with my friend Jack Alexus for MENtalHealthMonday.  Follow Jack - find him on YouTube and TikTok -@JackAlexus 

Kody Green - a.k.a. the @SchizophrenicHippie on social media has quite an interesting and inspiring story to tell.  From a Schizophrenia diagnosis as a teenager, to addiction, time in jail, recovery, and now running his own non-profit giving people a second chance at work, and publicly speaking and advocating about Schizophrenia.   Follow Kody:  @SchizophrenicHippie on TikTok & Instagram

First time ever did a FB live that turned into a podcast.  I think productive people call that feeding two birds one scone.  Drew was my guest back on episode 30, and since then has started his own Therapy Practice - PodHealth LLC (www.podhealthllc.com) We had some questions towards the end from our viewers, and I asked some questions about PTSD and Anxiety along the way.  If you wanna watch our glowing faces - its at www.facebook.com/riggsradio - or just listen to this, its just as informative and awesome.  

Getting your emotions OUT instead of keeping them inside is a MAJOR key to leading a happy life mentally.  Your friends and family aren't psychic, and they can't see what's going on inside your mind - don't expect them to mind read - SAY SOMETHING if you see or feel any signs of something off in your brain.  Trust me - better out than in with emotions.  

Ronnie Preston uses his knowledge of Native culture and history and performs his one man show around the nation, keeping the stories of his people alive and inspiring the audiences he speaks to.  He also realizes the importance of mental health discussions in our Native communities - and he has become a strong advocate for mental health and suicide prevention as well.  He was also my first ever guest to sing us out at the end of an episode.  

A collaborative effort with the craft beer industry and "Hope For The Day" to let brewers and consumer know that its okay to NOT be okay, and start a conversation around mental health.  It's grown from an idea in a small brewery and is now available all over the world.  What's the story behind the beer though?  I talked with Nicole Henzel from Malteuop Malting Company and Jake Schinker of Eagle Park Brewing in Muskego, WI about this kickass mission.   www.thingswedontsay.beer  

A motivational mover, a purveyor of positivity, he's Christopher Gilbert (Instagram @bmadboss).  I stumbled upon him on my IG feed and was moved by his messaging.  He's been using dance as an outlet for himself, and now he helps others find their inner greatness through dance and SELF love.  If you've ever felt like you weren't worth it, or just weren't enough - listen to this dude.  A solid convo this week for #MENtalHealthMonday.  Appreciate your

We are our own worst critic.  We are SO HARD on ourselves.  Start giving yourself a little more credit, because you are an unbelievable badass - and the only thing holding you back - is YOU.  

We've discussed on past episodes the unique situation that first responders face, being at their absolute best when we are at our absolute worst - and doing it all selflessly.  In order to assure that, we must ensure the mental and physical well being of the people we send out to these situations.  Mike Wos is spearheading an awesome mental health initiative here in wisconsin with the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation. https://pffwcf.org/  

Several of life's biggest changes / stressors hit my friend Mike Wickett within a few years.  THREE new babies in one year (Irish Triplets), and a new job in a new place where you're taking the "stay at home" dad crash course...until he crashed mentally.  That's where Mike was and I'm glad he reached out for help.  Here's his story.  If you ever want to share YOUR story, do it - it might inspire others to speak up.  You can always reach out to me - www.riggsradio.me and maybe I can feature you on an upcoming episode.  

If you want to talk about struggles in life, look no further than Rob Kulpa and if you're looking for POSITIVITY and PROOF that there is HOPE even in your DARKEST times, look no further than Rob Kulpa.  A lifetime wrestling match with mental health struggles and THREE suicide attempts, Rob has pulled himself UP and become a beacon of hope for so many - helping people achieve their physical and mental wellness goals. This is a story you need to hear.   More about Rob HERE:  https://tinyurl.com/RobKulpa 

Sometimes we have such a great conversation ON the radio that it deserves to be taken OFF the radio - such is the case this week.  Alley had a great story about her sister calling to complain about her wedding...again and Alley learned about transference / empathy, setting boundaries, and we even helped a listener Ryan deal with his WIFE who complains about a work situation.  Enjoy a fresh perspective and a new episode of #MENtalHealthMonday. 

TikTok is where I met this week's guest.  Something about his passion and his energy that made me think he'd be an excellent guest for a #MENtalHealthMonday episode; and he is!  Milton Spence III is a life coach / business consultant / REAL content creator / and all around amazing human being.  In this episode - We talk about not seeking approval from others, being good enough for yourself, and the things that hold us as men back from being open about our issues.  These are the talks men should be having on a regular basis.  Two dudes talking about mental health.   You can find more about Milton Spence III at www.wellroundedconsulting.com  TikTok: @miltwrnd 

As men, we are ALWAYS reluctant to ask for help, it's part of why we are responsible for more than 60% of all suicides.  We bury our feelings and think of reaching out for help as a sign of weakness...this is EXACTLY how Billy was living his life, until he decided to reach out for help.  In his mind, he was all out of options.  But he had the courage and strength to keepFIGHTING and he's done life 180.  These are the talks that men need to be having on the regular - and the reason I continue to be a champion for MEN's Mental Health.  Keeping the MEN in MENtal Health.

These are the types of talks that men should be having with one another on a regular basis.  Open and honest conversations about emotions, fears, and anxieties.  My friend Promise has been through a lot in the past few years, but has remained vigilant and came out shining on the other side.  He also has an interesting fear of TIME that we can ALL relate to as well.  Enjoy this week's episode - Promise is good people an I'm glad he took the time to talk for this week's episode.   Find him on IG @PromiseiPromise 

Meditation can be one of the BEST forms of self care, but has some really bizarre stigmas surrounding it.  Andy has taken up an 80 day "Pro" meditation challenge and seems to have a pretty solid grip on the process - and it's NOT as hard or as WeIRd as you think.  We'll explore how and WHY he meditates, and who knows - maybe YOU find your new self care routing in MEDITATION!?   Find Andy online @MilwaukeeAndy 

If you saw someone wearing a shirt that simply read "HUH", you may stop and think about asking what it means...it stands for "How's Ur Head" and is meant to spark a conversation about mental health.  CEO Mark Donnelly then donates 10% of his monthly profits to a different Mental Health Organization.  While he's based in Ireland at the moment - he got his start in Milwaukee, Wisconsin right here in the USA.  He's got a great story to tell with some pretty solid life advice about listening.   www.huhclothing.com 

He took his darkest moments, put them to paper, and showed the world that your brain is lying to you - there is hope and your story has more to be written. Sam Eaton took his suicide attempt as a wake up call - and instead of ending his life, he now chooses to live "Recklessly Alive" - and you can too.   "Recklessly Alive" is his book and is available online.  www.recklesslyalive.com   

We've all had a rough go at it this year, and we're all facing different challenges.  Friend of the podcast, Patrick Schultz is from Milwaukee Counselor and is a licensed counselor.  He was kind enough to answer some questions that I had about how we deal headed into the winter with the Pandemic, and he also answered some questions submitted by YOU!  Check out his website - www.milwaukeecounselor.com for more - and don't be afraid to reach out for help.  We can all use it and we can all benefit from reaching out.  We got this! 

We've all had a rough go at it this year, and we're all facing different challenges.  Friend of the podcast, Patrick Schultz is from Milwaukee Counselor and is a licensed counselor.  He was kind enough to answer some questions that I had about how we deal headed into the winter with the Pandemic, and he also answered some questions submitted by YOU!  Check out his website - www.milwaukeecounselor.com for more - and don't be afraid to reach out for help.  We can all use it and we can all benefit from reaching out.  We got this! 

Police officers already are exoposed to trauma on a day to day basis, now they are coming home and reading the news and seeing the worst of the worst in their own profession with a harsh spotlight.  How can they manage this additional pressure and stress while still performing their daily duties.  Chris Prochut, a law enforcement suicide prevention trainer and mental health advocate spoke with me again for a Mental Health Monday episode.  His previous episode was January 6 this year. Chris' website is www.talk2endstigma.com 

Police officers already are exoposed to trauma on a day to day basis, now they are coming home and reading the news and seeing the worst of the worst in their own profession with a harsh spotlight.  How can they manage this additional pressure and stress while still performing their daily duties.  Chris Prochut, a law enforcement suicide prevention trainer and mental health advocate spoke with me again for a Mental Health Monday episode.  His previous episode was January 6 this year. Chris' website is www.talk2endstigma.com 

Dr. Michael A. Lindsey is a noted scholar in the fields of child and adolescent mental health, as well as a leader in the search for knowledge and solutions to generational poverty and inequality.  He's one of the featured clinicians for our "I'm Listening" special - heard on Entercom stations across the country on September 23rd.  I had the privilege of having an in depth conversation with Dr. Lindsey about how to help the kids in our lives manage their mental health during the global pandemic, and with all the social injustice dominating the news this year.  

Dr. Michael A. Lindsey is a noted scholar in the fields of child and adolescent mental health, as well as a leader in the search for knowledge and solutions to generational poverty and inequality.  He's one of the featured clinicians for our "I'm Listening" special - heard on Entercom stations across the country on September 23rd.  I had the privilege of having an in depth conversation with Dr. Lindsey about how to help the kids in our lives manage their mental health during the global pandemic, and with all the social injustice dominating the news this year.  

Hey there.  Long time no random podcast not mental health related - so here you go.  It's all about finishing things you started.  Sometimes life gets in the way, and it happened with me several times.  That's not stopping me though, I'm back baby - and YOU Can be too!  Maybe this will inspire others to keep at it...thought I'd drop it and give you a lil' life update.  Thanks for listening, per usual.  You're a great American. 

Hey there.  Long time no random podcast not mental health related - so here you go.  It's all about finishing things you started.  Sometimes life gets in the way, and it happened with me several times.  That's not stopping me though, I'm back baby - and YOU Can be too!  Maybe this will inspire others to keep at it...thought I'd drop it and give you a lil' life update.  Thanks for listening, per usual.  You're a great American. 

You follow rules around you, so why not follow rules for YOURSELF?  Creating healthy boundaries is essential to maintaining a happy and balanced life - physically and mentally.  It's not a simple task, but if you start small - you can create beautiful boundaries in your life that will give you the confidence you need for a more well rounded existence.  Dr. McGough gives some great tips in this week's episode.  Enjoy :o) 

You follow rules around you, so why not follow rules for YOURSELF?  Creating healthy boundaries is essential to maintaining a happy and balanced life - physically and mentally.  It's not a simple task, but if you start small - you can create beautiful boundaries in your life that will give you the confidence you need for a more well rounded existence.  Dr. McGough gives some great tips in this week's episode.  Enjoy :o) 

Empathy.  It's just like sympathy, right?  Wrong.  In this episode, I'll give you a basic rundown of what it's like to be empathetic and how it is VASTLY different than being sympathetic.  Empathy is the genesis to many amazing conversations and is something the world needs a lot more of these days.  Blog referenced in this video can be found at www.riggsradio.me/blog.  Thanks for listening.

Empathy.  It's just like sympathy, right?  Wrong.  In this episode, I'll give you a basic rundown of what it's like to be empathetic and how it is VASTLY different than being sympathetic.  Empathy is the genesis to many amazing conversations and is something the world needs a lot more of these days.  Blog referenced in this video can be found at www.riggsradio.me/blog.  Thanks for listening.

If you're reading this, odds are you have been in some form of quarantine or lockdown for some time.  You probably haven't seen or hung out PHYSICALLY with your friends in WEEKS.  This takes a toll on even the mentally tough.  So how do we fight the social distance fatigue that's starting to set in?  What do we do about others in our life who might be on a different page then we are when it comes to "getting back to normal"?  How can we set healthy boundaries in our life?  Dr. Chris Donaghue, host of our nightly #ImListening mental health show on Radio.com joins me to give us some insight for this week's Mental Health Monday.  Episode 47!  Whooo!!  More info on Dr. Chris at https://www.drchrisdonaghue.com/ 

If you're reading this, odds are you have been in some form of quarantine or lockdown for some time.  You probably haven't seen or hung out PHYSICALLY with your friends in WEEKS.  This takes a toll on even the mentally tough.  So how do we fight the social distance fatigue that's starting to set in?  What do we do about others in our life who might be on a different page then we are when it comes to "getting back to normal"?  How can we set healthy boundaries in our life?  Dr. Chris Donaghue, host of our nightly #ImListening mental health show on Radio.com joins me to give us some insight for this week's Mental Health Monday.  Episode 47!  Whooo!!  More info on Dr. Chris at https://www.drchrisdonaghue.com/ 

The longest sports drought in history - how are SPORTS TALK radio stations surviving?  What happens when one of Milwaukee's most popular sports talk show hosts is faced with a global pandemic, no sports, and a hefty case of anxiety?  Bart called me wanting to talk about it all...and it essentially turned into a therapy session.  Sports fans should listen to this.  Mental  health advocates should listen to this. MEN should listen to this.  Also, squirrels can listen to this, but probably won't.  I think that's nuts. 

The longest sports drought in history - how are SPORTS TALK radio stations surviving?  What happens when one of Milwaukee's most popular sports talk show hosts is faced with a global pandemic, no sports, and a hefty case of anxiety?  Bart called me wanting to talk about it all...and it essentially turned into a therapy session.  Sports fans should listen to this.  Mental  health advocates should listen to this. MEN should listen to this.  Also, squirrels can listen to this, but probably won't.  I think that's nuts. 

As if the uncertainty of a global pandemic wasn't enough, add to that losing your DREAM job - how do you deal?  Especially when you're isolated and cannot rely on your social circle for comfort.  You've heard JMatt on some of my past episodes, and we're coming up on one month since he was laid off due to the economic impact of the coronavirus.  How has he been holding up, and the AMAZING new therapy app called "BetterHelp" he fell in love with are all discussed on today's episode.  

As if the uncertainty of a global pandemic wasn't enough, add to that losing your DREAM job - how do you deal?  Especially when you're isolated and cannot rely on your social circle for comfort.  You've heard JMatt on some of my past episodes, and we're coming up on one month since he was laid off due to the economic impact of the coronavirus.  How has he been holding up, and the AMAZING new therapy app called "BetterHelp" he fell in love with are all discussed on today's episode.  

*NSFW LANGUAGE* You know those friends who you can pick up where you left off with EVERY TIME?  That's me and my friend Rayne.  Rayne and I have been friends for over 10 years.  We have the technology and the "talent" - why not do a podcast episode together while we're quarantined?  With no plan whatsoever - we managed to discuss:  Standard COVID-19 discussion - differences between Milwaukee and Sacramento, CA (Where he resides) Muppets. McDonalds prizes and the McMillions documentary. Self coping skills 80's and 90's movie plotholes 1990's Nickelodeon TV shows - wins and fails.  Spendng $300 to meet Pee Wee Herman Text messaging with Mark Summers of Double Dare.   

*NSFW LANGUAGE* You know those friends who you can pick up where you left off with EVERY TIME?  That's me and my friend Rayne.  Rayne and I have been friends for over 10 years.  We have the technology and the "talent" - why not do a podcast episode together while we're quarantined?  With no plan whatsoever - we managed to discuss:  Standard COVID-19 discussion - differences between Milwaukee and Sacramento, CA (Where he resides) Muppets. McDonalds prizes and the McMillions documentary. Self coping skills 80's and 90's movie plotholes 1990's Nickelodeon TV shows - wins and fails.  Spendng $300 to meet Pee Wee Herman Text messaging with Mark Summers of Double Dare.   

From making fun of it on facebook and downplaying it as "just a flu", to a flight for life trip to the hospital for SEVERE COVID-19 symptoms, to a now changed man...Billy Schulz, a 27 year old Truck driver from Jackson, WI got the worst of the worst when it comes to Coronavirus.  At one point given a 20% chance to live, and his doctor on a phone call PLEADING for life saving exeperimental treatment.  Billy has a heck of a story to tell, wanted to tell it UNEDITED...so, I gave it to him.  It's a long listen - but its an amazing story.  This is serious.  Take this serious.  Thanks for checking out another episode :o) 

From making fun of it on facebook and downplaying it as "just a flu", to a flight for life trip to the hospital for SEVERE COVID-19 symptoms, to a now changed man...Billy Schulz, a 27 year old Truck driver from Jackson, WI got the worst of the worst when it comes to Coronavirus.  At one point given a 20% chance to live, and his doctor on a phone call PLEADING for life saving exeperimental treatment.  Billy has a heck of a story to tell, wanted to tell it UNEDITED...so, I gave it to him.  It's a long listen - but its an amazing story.  This is serious.  Take this serious.  Thanks for checking out another episode :o) 

When you think of smuggling, what comes to mind - drugs and weapons...and PEOPLE.  This is happening in our own backyard, oftentimes right under our noses, and the monsters who keep it going are outsmarting the system staying ahead of the authorities.  What is being done to help these men, women, and children who are trapped in this "modern day slavery"?  What exactly IS human trafficking?  Whats the difference between human and sex trafficking?  How are people brought into this dark world?  How can we help them get OUT?! I had so many questions, and Rachel had the answers - as she works closely with the Fight to End Exploitation.   >> www.fighttoendexploitation.org

When you think of smuggling, what comes to mind - drugs and weapons...and PEOPLE.  This is happening in our own backyard, oftentimes right under our noses, and the monsters who keep it going are outsmarting the system staying ahead of the authorities.  What is being done to help these men, women, and children who are trapped in this "modern day slavery"?  What exactly IS human trafficking?  Whats the difference between human and sex trafficking?  How are people brought into this dark world?  How can we help them get OUT?! I had so many questions, and Rachel had the answers - as she works closely with the Fight to End Exploitation.   >> www.fighttoendexploitation.org

If you listened a few episodes ago, I discussed the "Emotional Middle" and this totally applies to THIS WEEK'S episode.  There seems to be a lot of pressure out there for us all to write the next best screenplay, or to completely renovate our houses...to learn to play the flute or to pick up a second and third language...but the truth of the matter is that just isn't a possiblity for most of us, and that's OKAY.  Stop putting pressure on yourself!  Another mental health minisode this week.  Enjoy and take care of YOU :o) 

If you listened a few episodes ago, I discussed the "Emotional Middle" and this totally applies to THIS WEEK'S episode.  There seems to be a lot of pressure out there for us all to write the next best screenplay, or to completely renovate our houses...to learn to play the flute or to pick up a second and third language...but the truth of the matter is that just isn't a possiblity for most of us, and that's OKAY.  Stop putting pressure on yourself!  Another mental health minisode this week.  Enjoy and take care of YOU :o) 

Stuff like this is comforting to hear from someone who works in Mental Health professionally, that's where Dr. Doreen Marshall comes in this week.  Great tips on managing your mental health with social media / news overload, keeping our anxiety in check, things to "look forward to", and for the parents - how do we talk to our CHILDREN safely about everything.  TAP HERE for more from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  

Stuff like this is comforting to hear from someone who works in Mental Health professionally, that's where Dr. Doreen Marshall comes in this week.  Great tips on managing your mental health with social media / news overload, keeping our anxiety in check, things to "look forward to", and for the parents - how do we talk to our CHILDREN safely about everything.  TAP HERE for more from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.