Normalize It Forward

Host Marc Lehman sits down with former NBA star and NCAA National Champion Ben Gordon to discuss the realities of athlete mental health and overcoming life transitions. Maintaining optimal athlete mental health requires honest conversations, intentional daily routines, and self-acceptance both on and off the court. Ben helped lead UConn to the 2004 National Championship before being selected third overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. In recent years, Ben has been open about his personal journey with mental health, using his experiences to advocate for greater awareness, understanding, and support. He candidly shares how early athletic mentorship shaped his perspective on the mental game, the challenges of navigating public pressure, and his shift toward holistic wellness practices like intermittent fasting and fascia stress therapy. Ben also offers crucial advice for young adults struggling in silence, emphasizing the power of self-surrender, intentional communication, and slowing down in a hyper-connected world. This powerful discussion highlights why true strength lies in accepting who you are and building a grounded foundation for lasting resilience.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

As students prepare to head off to school, the conversation around college mental health becomes more critical than ever. In this episode, Marc Lehman is joined by Laura Doyle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with decades of experience counseling students, to discuss the realities of this major life transition. From managing academic expectations and social anxiety to the importance of self-care basics like sleep and hydration, Laura provides practical strategies to help students stay balanced. They also dive into the impact of social media and the vital role of building real-world connections on campus. If you are a parent or student looking for ways to foster resilience and wellness during the college years, this discussion offers essential guidance for navigating the challenges ahead.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Establishing a solid College Student Routine is essential for navigating the overwhelming pressures of higher education and performance. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Marc Lehman welcomes Boston College Strength and Conditioning Coach Russell DeRosa to discuss how structure builds long-term mental and physical resilience. Russell DeRosa shares his twenty-four years of experience training elite athletes, revealing why daily habits reduce anxiety during high-stakes transitions. The conversation explores how both athletes and non-athletes can manage uncharted academic waters by taking personal ownership of their time. By replacing chaos with intentional habits, young adults learn to face adversity on campus without becoming overwhelmed. Parents and students alike will gain practical insight on shifting from passive survival to proactive growth.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Navigating the complexities of student mental health is a challenge that many young adults and parents face today. In this episode, Marc Lehman is joined by clinician Brian Keiser from U Are Heard to discuss effective strategies for managing stress, overcoming academic anxiety, and fostering true wellness. Brian brings his unique perspective as a Guided Pathways Advisor II to shed light on how modern pressures, including social media and the desire for constant connectivity, contribute to the rising rates of anxiety in students. Together, they explore the importance of small, consistent habits—like prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and genuine human connection—as the foundation for long-term success. Discover actionable advice on how to support independence in students while maintaining the essential support systems they need to thrive in college and beyond.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Holistic mental wellness is more than just physical health; it requires balancing your physiology, psychology, and spirit to truly thrive. In this episode, we are joined by Matt Domyancic, a former police officer, strength coach, and wellness coordinator, to discuss his journey of resilience and his mission to support first responders and veterans. Host Marc explores with Matt why slowing down and prioritizing your inner self is essential in our fast-paced culture. We discuss the importance of self-love, the power of safe relationships in healing from trauma, and how we can all foster meaning and purpose even during our most uncomfortable times.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.