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

More from Normalize It Forward All episodes →

1. 

   S3 · E19 · 6 Oct 2026 · 37 min

   From Combat To Healing: Trauma Recovery With Dr. Jaimie Lusk

   Life’s biggest hurdles often leave us feeling stuck, but understanding the path to trauma recovery can unlock profound personal transformation. In this insightful episode, board-certified clinical psychologist Dr. Jaimie Lusk joins the conversation to explore how we can break out of avoidance loops and build true mental resilience. Drawing from her experience as a US Marine Corps Combat Veteran and VA PTSD clinician, Dr. Lusk shares powerful insights on navigating complex grief, moral injury, and life transitions. Discover why struggle is a normal part of the human condition and how…

2. 

   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…

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 · E13 · 14 Jul 2026 · 41 min

   Mastering Holistic Mental Wellness From The Frontlines With Matt Domyancic

   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…

7. 

   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…