Mastering Holistic Mental Wellness From The Frontlines With Matt Domyancic

More from Normalize It Forward All episodes →

1. 

   S3 · E18 · 22 Sep 2026 · 44 min

   How Social Media Impacts Teen Mental Health With Dr. Mariela Podolski

   Social media mental health has become one of the most pressing challenges facing teens and parents today. On this episode of Normalize It Forward, host Marc Lehman welcomes back pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Mariela Podolski to unpack how digital platforms influence adolescent brain development and emotional wellness. Excessive screen time can double the risk of depression and anxiety in young adults who lack fully developed executive functioning skills. Dr. Mariela Podolski shares concrete strategies for establishing family digital contracts, delaying smartphone access, and creating…

2. 

   S3 · E17 · 8 Sep 2026 · 46 min

   Navigating Mental Health, Growth, And Wellness Beyond Basketball With Ben Gordon

   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,…

3. 

   S3 · E16 · 25 Aug 2026 · 35 min

   College Mental Health: Expert Strategies For The Campus Transition With Laura Doyle

   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…

4. 

   S3 · E15 · 11 Aug 2026 · 40 min

   Building Athlete Resilience Through Daily Routine And Discipline With Russell DeRosa

   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…

5. 

   S3 · E14 · 28 Jul 2026 · 32 min

   From Academic Pressure To Personal Growth: A Deep Dive Into Student Mental Health With Brian Keiser

   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…

6. 

   S3 · E12 · 30 Jun 2026 · 27 min

   Finding Your Beat: Resilience In Music With Jay Nazz

   Touring life is often viewed through a lens of glamour, but the reality involves a grueling mental and physical balancing act. Developing true resilience in music requires grit, a disciplined routine, and the courage to chase the unknown even when the path is unclear. In this episode, we sit down with Jay Nazz , the longtime drummer for the acclaimed country Americana band Reckless Kelly . We explore his journey from his roots in Connecticut to the bustling stages of Austin, diving into how he maintains mental clarity on the road and why he believes vulnerability is a professional…

7. 

   S3 · E11 · 16 Jun 2026 · 40 min

   Leveling Up Your Performance With Kyle Stark

   Human performance is often associated with pressure. People are pushed to their limits just to achieve the best results. Although such a challenge stretches you to do whatever it takes to succeed, you may also be putting your own well-being at risk. Marc Lehman sits down with Kyle Stark , former Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who shares his insights on working with professional athletes who are constantly pressured to give their peak performance every single game. He explains what it really takes to develop people, not just…

8. 

   S3 · E10 · 2 Jun 2026 · 35 min

   High-Functioning Addiction: The Silent Shame Of Male Bulimia And Recovery With Kyle Ridley

   The silent battle of shame and secrecy behind high-functioning addiction is exposed as Emmy-award-winning journalist and podcast host of The Tangle , Kyle Ridley , sits down to share his truth. Joining host Marc Lehman, Kyle reveals how his bulimia—a struggle often compounded by the stigma against men being vulnerable—consumed his twenties and made him a prisoner in his own home. He walks listeners through the critical steps of his lifelong journey of recovery, from the terrifying moment of intervention to embracing therapy and finding the courage to talk about his anxiety and fear of…

9. 

   S3 · E9 · 19 May 2026 · 32 min

   Turning Shortcomings Into Strengths, Mental Wellness, And The Power Of 'WOMSF' With Retired Fire Captain Dave Shenbaum

   Retired Fire Captain Dave Shenbaum is a community connector known for his deep roots and commitment to others, forged through 30 years of public service in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, including the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. In this powerful conversation, Dave brings a grounded, real-world perspective to mental health, purpose, and perseverance. From navigating the challenge of dyslexia and the intensity of paramedic school, to offering honest advice for today’s youth on overcoming “overwhelming doom,” Dave provides essential wisdom. He explains why we all need to “Work on…

10. 

    S3 · E8 · 5 May 2026 · 22 min

    The Power Of Empowered Pop With Jordyn Sugar

    Mental health and music go hand in hand since most artists pour the contents of their hearts and minds into their songs. This is exactly what Canadian singer-songwriter and pop artist Jordyn Sugar is doing through her empowered pop music. Joining Marc Lehman, she discusses her creativity, confidence, and what it means to normalize inner work, especially among young people. Jordyn also shares how Justin Bieber inspired her to continue writing music and how she uses her art to encourage self-belief and emotional openness that help unlock your most authentic self. Reading about mental health is…