This Helps with Marlon Morgan

Nicole Hockley, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, joins us to talk about grief, prevention, and what it really means to protect our kids. Since losing her son Dylan in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Nicole has transformed unimaginable pain into a national movement rooted in connection, compassion, and action. Drawing from her experience leading one of the most impactful violence prevention organizations in the country, Nicole shares what she's learned about trauma-informed school safety, the importance of early intervention, and how small acts of care can save lives.  Learn More About Sandy Hook Promise: https://sandyhookpromise.org Connect with Nicole Hockley: Twitter: https://x.com/nicolehockley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehockley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolehockleyshp

Journalist and author Anya Kamenetz joins us to talk about what it means to raise thriving kids in a changing world. Drawing from her bestselling book The Stolen Year: How COVID Changed Children's Lives, and Where We Go Now and her Substack The Golden Hour, Anya shares what she's learned from reporting on screen time, trauma, and climate anxiety, and how her own values shifted in the wake of the pandemic. Connect with Anya Kamenetz Substack:  https://thegoldenhour.substack.com Website: http://www.anyakamenetz.net Anya's Books: http://www.anyakamenetz.net/books Instagram: @anyakamenetz

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs joins us to talk about the power of storytelling, the roots of American patriarchy, who gets erased from history, and why. Drawing from her bestselling book The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation and her forthcoming release Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us, Anna shares how cultural memory is shaped, why some voices are silenced, and how reclaiming lost narratives can challenge systems of power and create space for something new. Purchase The Three Mothers and pre-order Erased: https://annamalaikatubbs.com/bookshelf

Dr. John B. King Jr., Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), former U.S. Secretary of Education, and lifelong advocate for students, joins Marlon to talk about mentorship, the power of authentic connection, and the role teachers play in shaping lives. Drawing from his new book, Teacher by Teacher, King shares personal stories, reflections on education policy, and why supporting educators is key to inspiring hope and resilience in young people.  Purchase Teacher by Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives

Alex Briscoe is the Principal of Public Works Alliance, a nonprofit consultancy that seeks to expand school-based mental health services, strengthen the behavioral health workforce, and advance equity-driven policy reform. A longtime mental health advocate, Alex joins us to talk about his journey to PWA, youth mental health, and how we can better support the well-being of young people.

Merve Lapus is the Vice President of Education Outreach and Engagement at Common Sense Media. He joins Marlon and Hannah to explore the challenges of raising kids in a digital world. They dive into screen time, social media, and the digital experiences shaping today's youth, offering insights on how families can take a values-driven approach while fostering confidence and connection. Connect with Common Sense Media: Website: commonsense.org Instagram: @commonsenseorg More from Merve:Website: mervelapus.com Instagram: @molapus

Graham Wiseman is the co-founder and CEO of BeingWellCA, an organization dedicated to improving youth mental health. After losing his son to suicide, he became a passionate advocate, leading initiatives like California's mental health awareness license plate campaign to spark conversations and reduce stigma around mental health. BeingwellCA: https://beingwellca.org/ Mental Health License Plate: https://beingwellca.org/mental-health-lic-plate

In this episode of This Helps, MariaEsther Izquierdo-Hemmen, CEO & Co-Founder of Mending Matters, shares her journey of grit and perseverance. She opens up about her personal experiences and how they fuel her mission to expand accessible, youth-driven mental health services—creating real, lasting change for young people. Learn more about Mending Matters: https://www.mendingmatters.org

In this episode of This Helps, Marlon and Hannah sit down with comedian, actor, and writer Chris Gethard and Britney Stone, Senior Director of Outreach and Engagement at Wellness Together. They dive into Laughing Together, a Wellness Together program that sends comedians into schools to lead improv workshops designed to help students connect, communicate, and build confidence. Chris and Britney share some amazing stories of students finding confidence, overcoming social anxiety and isolation, and building real connections through comedy—proving just how powerful laughter can be for mental health and community. To learn more about Laughing Together visit: https://laughingtogether.org/ Make a donation: https://www.wellnesstogether.org/giving Donations to Laughing Together support mental health services for students across the country.

It's a family affair on this episode of This Helps! Marlon and Hannah dive into a cross-generational conversation on mental health with Marlon's Gen Alpha son, Oliver, and his Millennial brother, Gabe. We explore how different generations navigate mental health, technology, social interactions, and relationships. Listen for insights, personal stories, and practical tips for a healthier digital life. Gabe Leporati is a Coordinator for the Sacramento County Office of Education's School-Based Mental Health and Wellness program. With experience as a school counselor, mental health clinician, and program manager, he is dedicated to expanding mental health services for youth. He holds a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master of Science in School Counseling, a Pupil Personnel Credential, and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Read "The Anti-Social Century" by Derek Thompson

  This week, we're bringing you Marlon's heartfelt keynote address from the 8th Annual Wellness Together Conference. Marlon shares personal stories about connection and community in his own life, and stresses the impact of meaningful, offline relationships on mental health. His insightful talk is a call to action for educators and mentors to prioritize genuine human connection in 2025 and beyond. Learn more about The Wellness Together Conference here! See the family pictures Marlon mentions here!

We're switching things up with this episode to share something special: Marlon inspiring keynote address from the 7th Annual Wellness Together Conference. He reflects on the importance of connection, community, and tackling loneliness in an increasingly disconnected world. As we head into 2025, his insights offer a powerful reminder that we're truly at our best when we're together. Learn more about The Wellness Together Conference here! See Marlon and his son on the Technic Roller Coaster here!

Dr. Louise L. Hayes is a clinical psychologist, author, and meditation teacher dedicated to helping people thrive through mindfulness and acceptance practices. She co-developed the DNA-v model and leads retreats in the Himalayas to support mindful living and raise funds for children in Nepal. Louise Hayes' publications: What Makes You Stronger: How to Thrive in the Face of Change and Uncertainty Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (2022) Your Life Your Way: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills to Help Teens Manage Emotions and Build Resilience (2020) The Thriving Adolescent: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology to Help Teens Manage Emotions, Achieve Goals, and Build Connection (2015) Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens: A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life (2012)

Sarah Rice, AMFT, a nine-season veteran of The Challenge known for her strength and determination, is a mental health advocate and podcast host. As host of This Changes Everything and co-host of The Brain Candy Podcast, she blends humor, insight, and personal experience to explore topics like mental health, relationships, and pop culture. In this candid discussion about life beyond reality TV, Sarah offers thoughtful solutions to its darker moments and creates space for growth, resilience, and meaningful conversations.

Lenore Skenazy is a journalist, author, and advocate for children's independence, best known for founding the "Free-Range Kids" movement. She is also the co-founder of Let Grow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting childhood independence and challenging the culture of overprotective parenting. Skenazy's work, including her book Free-Range Kids, encourages parents to let their children explore, learn, and grow through self-reliance and outdoor experiences. To keep up with Lenore, visit Free-Range Kids, and to learn more about Let Grow, visit Let Grow. Stay connected:  Twitter: @FreeRangeKids Facebook: Lenore Skenazy Instagram: @lskenazy

Fareedah Shaheed (also known as CyberFareedah), is an award-winning internet safety expert and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and founder of Sekuva and the Protect Kids Online (PKO) Membership to help parents protect their children in the digital world. With expertise in cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and online gaming, she developed the SAFE Method to teach parents how to create safe online spaces and foster connection to protect their kids. Learn more: www.cyberfareedah.com Stay connected with CyberFareedah: Twitter: @cyberfareedah Facebook: Fareedah Shaheed LinkedIn: Fareedah Shaheed - Sekuva Instagram: @cyberfareedah YouTube: @CyberFareedah Listen to Fareedah's playlist: Epic Music

Patrick J. Kennedy is a former U.S. Representative known for his pivotal role in co-authoring the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. In 2013, he founded The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health and addiction policies through collaboration among advocates, business leaders, and government agencies. Kennedy's 2015 memoir, A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction, became a New York Times Bestseller and, in April 2024, he released Profiles in Mental Health Courage, showcasing powerful personal stories of individuals overcoming mental health challenges. Stay connected with Patrick J. Kennedy: Twitter: @PJK4brainhealth Facebook: PJK4brainhealth LinkedIn: Patrick J. Kennedy Instagram: @pjk4brainhealth

Vikram Patel is the Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, where he also leads the Mental Health for All Lab. Learn more about the Mental Health for All Lab & the EMPOWER program: https://mentalhealthforalllab.hms.harvard.edu/ Sign up for the Global Mental Health @ Harvard newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gY0NYD 

Season 2 of This Helps drops October 17th!

Simran Jeet Singh, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of history at Union Theological Seminary, senior adviser for the Aspen Institute's Religion & Society Program, a Soros Equality Fellow with the Open Society Foudations, and the author of The Light We Give: The Power of Sikh Wisdom to Transform Your Life which was named one of the best books of 2022 by Publishers Weekly. In 2020, he was recognized by TIME as one of 16 people fighting for a more equal America. Singh is also the host of the podcast Wisdom & Practice with Simran Jeet Singh. Stay connected with Simran Jeet Singh on Instagram: @sikhprof Listen to  Wisdom & Practice with Simran Jeet Singh Check out Simran's Substack: https://simranjeetsingh.substack.com/ Learn more about Simran: https://simranjeetsingh.org/ The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person To Ever Run a Marathon

Ryan Stanger join us for Episode 19! Ryan Stanger is an actor, comedian, and podcast host sharing his love of movies on Action Boyz and his love of fitness on The Dumbbells. He is also a longtime friend of Marlon's. He joins Marlon and Hannah this week to talk about building sustainable routines, using your health journey to develop self-efficacy, changing approaches to fitness, and so much more. Listen to Ryan's podcasts here: The Dumbbells | Action Boyz

Dena Trujillo & Natalia Dayan join us for Episode 18!Dena Trujillo, CEO of Crisis Text Line, has spent over 20 years operating at the intersection of nonprofit and for-profit, discovering and amplifying models that scale innovative solutions and maximize social impact.  Natalia Dayan, LMSW, is the Global Expansion Director at Crisis Text Line, spearheading the nonprofit organization's Spanish service in the US. She is a Latina immigrant to the US who has worked in the mental health space for over 12 years. In the past, she led Crisis Text Line's Clinical Supervision team exploring new technologies and policies to improve services for those in crisis. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention in English and Spanish. Guided by empathy and innovation, Crisis Text Line endeavors to build an empathetic world where nobody feels alone. Text "HELLO" or "HOLA" to 741741. Learn more about Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Volunteer at Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/become-a-volunteer/ Research mentioned in episode: https://www.crisistextline.org/data-philosophy/research-impact/

John MacPhee joins us for Episode 17!John MacPhee is the CEO of The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults. JED works across the country helping youth, families, schools, and community organizations to take actions to support youth mental health and reduce risks for suicide. Passionate about supporting young adults in their transition to adulthood, John advises several organizations including the S. Jay Levy Fellowship for Future Leaders at City College, Trek Medics, Opera Ebony, the Health Policy and Management Department at the Mailman School of Public Health, and HIV Hero. Learn more about The JED foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/ Programs mentioned during the episode: Set to Go: https://jedfoundation.org/set2go-jed-program/ Making Caring Common: https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/ Listen to John's playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fFXaRBFGiVcnL8HMeyZ6C?si=fd28e996a91e4ffe

Steve Adelsheim joins us for Episode 16! Steven Adelsheim, MD, is a Clinical Professor & Associate Chair for Community Engagement at Stanford's Department of Psychiatry, directing the Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Steve's work is focused on early detection/intervention programs for young people. He leads the effort to bring allcove to the US, an integrated youth mental health model. Dr. Adelsheim co-leads PEPPNET, the national clinical network for early psychosis programs. Steve also co-directs the Media and Mental Health Initiative in Stanford's Psychiatry Department. Dr. Adelsheim has partnered for many years with Native American and tribal partners on expanding early intervention mental health supports for tribal youth. He is actively involved in youth suicide prevention efforts.  Learn more about the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing:  https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/youthwellbeing/whoweare.html @stanfordyouthmh Learn more about allcove: https://allcove.org/ @allcoveyouth Media & Mental Health Initiative: https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/mediamh Learn more about Good for Media: https://www.goodformedia.org/ @goodformedia Tribal Projects to Increase Native American Youth Mental Health Support  https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/youthwellbeing/tribal.html

Gabby Rivera joins Marlon and special guest co-host, Meghan Joseph, for Episode 15! Gabby Rivera is a Bronx-born queer Puerto Rican babe on a mission to create the wildest, most fun stories ever. Gabby is the author of Juliet Takes a Breath and the first Latina ever to write for Marvel comics, penning the solo series AMERICA about America Chavez, a portal-punching queer Latina powerhouse. Stay connected with Gabby: IG: @quirkyrican gabbyrivera.com patreon.com/gabbyrivera  

Brigid Schulte joins us for Episode 14! Brigid Schulte is a journalist, think tank program director, keynote speaker and author of the New York Times bestselling book on time pressure, gender and modern life, Overwhelmed: Work, Love & Play When No One Has the Time. She was an award-winning journalist for The Washington Post and The Washington Post Magazine and was part of the team that won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize. She serves as the director of the Better Life Lab, the work-family justice, care and gender equity narrative change program at New America. Her latest book, Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life will be published in September 2024. Preorder it now! https://www.brigidschulte.com/overwork Learn more about the Better Life Lab: https://www.newamerica.org/better-life-lab/ Listen to Brigid on the Better Life Lab Podcast Connect with Brigid: https://www.brigidschulte.com/ IG and X: @Brigidschulte

Dr. Marleen Wong joins us for Episode 13!Dr. Marleen Wong is Co-Founder & CEO of the Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces and a subject matter expert for the NCTSN Network for Enhancing Wellness in Disaster-Affected Youth (NEW DAY). Identified as one of the "pre-eminent experts in school crisis and disaster recovery“ by the White House and the "architect of school-safety programs" by the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Wong is one of the original developers of the evidence based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and two models of Psychological First Aid for Schools. Learn more about the Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces: www.traumaawareschools.org Listen to why Dr. Wong's life work has been in healing child trauma: https://edsource.org/podcast/how-a-school-lunch-lady-sparked-better-trauma-response-for-schools

Back again with @therapyjeff! Listen to the episode HERE!Jeff Guenther (@therapyjeff) was an amazing guest on This Helps for Episode 5. He was so kind to invite Marlon to be a guest on a recent episode of his podcast, Problem Solved. They were also joined by the hilarious and talented comedian, Chris Gethard. This week, This Helps listeners have the opportunity to hear how Jeff and Marlon help Chris solve a relatable problem in his life. Stay connected with Jeff: Podcasts: Problem Solved with Therapy Jeff  &  Big Dating Energy TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/therapyjeff/ Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@therapyjeff

Mara Madrigal-Weiss joins us for Episode 011! Mara is the Executive Director of Student Wellness and School Culture for the San Diego County Office of Education. She is also the designee of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, she serves as a Commissioner on the Mental Health Services Oversight Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). Her tenure as Chair of the Commission for the past three years is a testament to her ability to drive change and significantly impact the field of mental health. Mara has been promoting student mental health and wellness for over 20 years. She passionately advocates for all things life and wellness-enhancing for students and staff. She is authentic and sincere and appreciates laughter and kindness above all else.   Stay connected with Mara: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-madrigal-weiss-8a6ba819/

Dr. Dominique Thompson joins us from the UK for Episode 010! Dr. Thompson is a multi-award-winning General Practitioner (GP), young adult mental health expert, TEDx speaker, author and educator, with over two decades of NHS clinical experience. She was named Bristol Healthcare Professional of the Year 2017 and nominated as one of the Top 100 West Women of the Year in 2019. Stay connected with Dr. Thompson: Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdomthompson  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdomthompson/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-thompson/ 

Dr. Lisa Wong continued! Here's the second half of the amazing conversation with Marlon, Dr. Wong, and her viola. Find out more about the importance of piano lessons, equity and the arts in schools, and the dynamic language of music.

Dr. Lisa Wong joins us for Episodes 8...and 9! Marlon sits down with Dr. Lisa Wong, pediatrician, musician, arts advocate, and author. She is the Co-Founder of the Arts and Humanities Initiative at Harvard Medical School, pediatrician at Milton Pediatric Associates, and an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Wong also co-founded and serves as associate co-director of the Arts and Humanities Initiative, and the former president and a current violinist in the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, Boston's medical community ensemble. 

Jahmal Miller joins us for Episode 7! Jahmal Miller is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Mercy Medical Group, a service of Dignity Health Medical Foundation. In 2013, he was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown as the Deputy Director of the California Department of Public Health's Office of Health Equity (OHE) and the State's lead advisor on issues related to reducing health and mental health disparities and achieving health equity for all Californians. Marlon sits down with Jahmal to discuss movies and TV from the 70's and 80's, mentorship, car theft, and the intersection of mental health and hip hop. Enjoy!

Dr. Renee Schneider joins us for Episode 6! She is the Lead for Google's Mental & Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, a clinical psychologist, and a self-proclaimed fan of Arrested Development. Marlon sits down with Dr. Schneider for a great conversation that also includes her recent studies on how mental health providers can better help LGBTQ+ youth access lifesaving mental health support.

Jeff Guenther, also known as @therapyjeff to over 4 million people around the world, is a licensed therapist, a self-proclaimed fan of the 90's, podcast host of Problem Solved and Big Dating Energy, and author of the upcoming book Big Dating Energy, joins us for a hilarious, authentic, and helpful conversation. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Chris & Gary join us for Episode 4! Chris Gethard & Gary Gulman, both hilarious and talented comedians/actors/authors sit down with Marlon to discuss what life has been like since the release of their own critically acclaimed HBO Original Comedy Specials, exclusively focusing on their own mental health journey: Chris Gethard- Career Suicide (2017) Gary Gulman- The Great Depresh (2019)

Dr. Michael Rich continued! Here's the second half of the amazing conversation with Dr. Rich as he equips us with tools and strategies to integrate technology into our lives in helpful ways.

Dr. Michael Rich joins us for Episodes 2...and 3! Marlon sits down with Dr. Rich for an insightful conversation on his nearly 30 years of research on the effects of media on children and adolescents, his journey from a filmmaker in Japan to medical school, and an unbelievable story about an 11-year-old hero. It's the second episode and we are already laughing and crying with our guest!

Dr. Anna Lembke joins us for Episode 1! Marlon sits down with Dr. Lembke for a conversation touching on late-night trips to the freezer, the neuroscience of cravings, Ducktales, and the importance of balancing pleasure and pain in our lives.

Marlon Morgan is the host of “This Helps Podcast.” As a licensed therapist and the Founder and CEO of the national nonprofit Wellness Together, Marlon is dedicated to helping thousands of people improve their mental health every day.  Join Marlon and longtime friend and fellow therapist Jeremiah Aja each week as we ask the question: What helps the people who help us? What helps the helpers? Listen in on authentic and vulnerable conversations with the world's leading Helpers as they share how we can feel better right now. Hear from New York Times Best-Selling authors, actors, comedians, and global leaders in education, mental health, and technology. Hang out with Marlon as he connects with listeners who share their own personal stories about what and who helps them. You might even hear some obscure pop culture references and below-average celebrity impressions. Beloved TV personality Fred Rogers said that when he was growing up and saw things in the news that scared him, his mother would say:  "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping… because if you look for the helpers, you will know that there's hope.” "This Helps" is hopeful, helpful, and connects us all to a purpose bigger than ourselves. New episodes of This Helps are released weekly on Thursdays.