Straight Talk For Real Life

Nearly all women go through menopause—and many younger women go through perimenopause. But because it's a subject we rarely talk about, many women don't know what to expect, especially when they start to experience mental health issues. Guest: Catherine O'Keeffe, known as the Wellness Warrior and “Ireland's first menopause coach.” Guest hosts: Holly Greer, HPE's Global Wellness Program Manager; and Kim Field, HPE's UKIMESA HR Director.

Did you know that changing your diet can help you to feel happier? In this episode, we explore the science of nutritional psychiatry—how food can improve symptoms of behavioral health issues like depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, PTSD, Alzheimer's disease, and more. Guest: Uma Naidoo, M.D., Harvard-trained psychiatrist, Cornell-trained nutrition expert, and professional chef.

To honor our team members who are veterans, this Veterans Day episode focuses on the invisible wounds of military service—mental health issues of veterans—and the resources HPE offers to these brave women and men who have done so much for us. Guests: Guy Strawder, Revelations Counseling and Consulting; and Joseph Mack and Todd Sullivan, HPE team members who lead HPE's Veterans Employee Resource Network (VERN).

The creative arts have the power to change our brains, making us feel happier, healthier, and even smarter. Scientists can see that when we look at or engage in the creative arts, an area of the brain lights up and releases chemicals that can help us cope with stress, depression, and much more. Guest: Susan Magsamen, executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, from the Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

A happier and healthier life is within your reach! This episode looks at 3 keys to unlocking it: gratitude, compassion, and self-care. We'll look at the science behind a few simple habits that can lead to better physical and emotional health, improved sleep, stronger relationships, and more happiness overall. Guest: Dr. Brad Shuck, Associate Professor and Program Director of the Human Resource and Organizational Development program at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

For many of us, money issues can add a lot of stress and anxiety to our lives. In this episode, we talk to an expert about how financial stress can create health problems—and what you can do to reduce that stress. Guest: Jeanne Thompson, Senior Vice President, Workplace Solutions Thought Leader, Fidelity Investments.

What are the top men's health questions on your mind? That's the question we posed to HPE team members all over the world. In a special Straight Talk For Real Life podcast episode in support of International Men's Day (November 19), HPE's Chief People Officer, Alan May, talks with Ronesh Sinha, M.D. (aka "Dr. Ron"), an internal medicine physician, author, and popular speaker, to get answers to many of those important questions. Guests: HPE Chief People Officer Alan May and Ronesh Sinha, M.D.

Parenting is a demanding job even in the best circumstances. However, it can be even more difficult for parents who have children with learning, social, or behavioral challenges. In this episode, we discuss how to best support children with special needs and their families. Guest: Angela Nelson, vice president and executive director of clinical services at Rethink Benefits.

How can we prepare our minds and bodies to successfully win the fight against COVID-19? In this special mini-episode, a medical doctor provides invaluable tips, not only about how to protect yourself from catching the virus, but about how to boost your immunity and survive COVID-19. Guest: Ronesh Sinha, M.D.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many things have been out of our control—causing fear, stress, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation are helping millions of people around the world cope. In this episode, we'll learn how mindfulness and meditation can help you cope with whatever life throws at you—today and in the future. Guests: Eve Lewis and Tom Freeman from Headspace.

We've all endured some big changes over the past several months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. As we prepare to return to work and a new world, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is there for you, offering resources and expertise you need. In this episode, we'll talk about those resources. Guest: Liam Coffey from Optum EAP, UK.

As schools, daycare centers, and camps reopen, parents and children may be dealing with stress and anxiety about what's ahead—and whatever that's like. Parents will play an enormously important role in helping the transition be successful. In this episode, we provide expert tips for reassuring children to feel prepared and confident as they step out into this "new normal." Guest: Ellen Contente, parenting coach and founder of Heart-Centered Programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of stress and anxiety. But now it's time to journey from the "fear zone" to a place that is healthier and happier. This short episode—part of a collective mini-series about navigating the uncharted road ahead—contains helpful tips to build your emotional fitness and find purpose and a sense of personal growth from what you experienced (called Post-Traumatic Growth). Guest: Rod Hart, senior practice leader in Aon's National Health Transformation Team.

In today's stress-filled world, we're all looking for healthier ways to cope. For years, meditation has been standard practice for some of the most successful people in business, the tech world, and sports. Perhaps it could work for you too. Headspace can help. Guest: Headspace's Chief Science Officer, Megan Jones Bell.

Exercise—walking, running, dancing, moving—enhances and extends our lives. Yet many of us think of exercise as a chore. Discover how exercise can be a source of joy. Guest: Kelly McGonigal, PhD, research psychologist, speaker (her 2013 TED Talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend,” has been viewed more than 21 million times), and author of The Upside of Stress (2015) and The Joy of Movement (2019).

Stress can make your life miserable, but could it be killing you? Recent research shows that your mental state can have a big impact on your physical wellness. In particular, stress can cause heart disease. Learn about it and what you can do to keep a healthy heart. Guest: Alexandra Crosswell, PhD, Assistant professor in psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.

Sleep is incredibly important to your mental and physical health—and your overall performance. In this episode, we explore things you should—and shouldn't—do to improve your sleep. Our guest: Chris Winter, M.D., author of The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How to Fix It.

Ultimately, it's your decision whether to smoke tobacco or use a vaping device, or perhaps your children have jumped on the vaping bandwagon, so it's important that you know the facts. In this episode, we talk about smoking and the growing popularity of vaping—and what you need to know. Our guests: Pamela Ling, MD, MPH; Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD.

In recognition of International Men's Day on November 19, this episode focuses on men's health issues and what it takes to live a longer, happier, and healthier life. Guest: Dr. David C. Batman, a registered medical practitioner in the U.K. and international occupational health advisor for Virgin Pulse.

In this episode, we look at drug and alcohol addiction, a complex health issue affecting every region of the world today. An estimated 107 million people worldwide have an alcohol dependence. It is a disease that affects the rich and poor, male and female, young and old, and every ethnic background. The good news is that hope exists through treatment and recovery. Guests: Andrew B. Mendenhall, MD, addiction medicine specialist and chief medical officer for Central City Concern; and Blake Cohen, national outreach manager at Recovery Unplugged.

American record holder, Olympic medalist, and New York Times best-selling author Deena Kastor has discovered what it takes to win. Hear how you can apply her winning recipe for success to your life—and get ready to achieve more than you ever dreamed. Guest: Deena Kastor.

It's OK to not be OK. It just means that you're human. Things like stress, anxiety, and depression can affect anyone. The important thing to know is that you don't have to go through it alone. There are experts available to help you at any moment, night or day. In this episode, we'll talk about the resources available through Optum's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Guests: Jessica Zach, Greg Casson, and Dr. Randall Solomon with Optum.

Anyone can experience anxiety—even Olympic champions like Michael Phelps. In this episode, we discuss anxiety and a documentary titled Angst (2017, IndieFlix), which is raising awareness and providing hope. Learn how to recognize and manage anxiety. Guests: executive producer of Angst Scilla Andreen; clinical psychologist Tam Nguyen, PhD.