As we close out the year, the Mental Health Momentum Podcast is taking a short Christmas break—and we wanted to pause to say thank you.
In this special holiday message, Dr. David Morgan, licensed psychologist and Director of Mental Health Awareness at Silicon Slopes, shares a reminder of why mental health matters so deeply during the Christmas and New Year season. While this time of year can bring celebration and connection, it can also be difficult and isolating for many.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of this community—our listeners, partners, and advocates who continue to help move the conversation around mental health forward in the business community and beyond.
As you celebrate the holidays, we encourage you to:
Look out for one another
Reach out to people who may be struggling
Share compassion, connection, and care
The Mental Health Momentum Podcast will return in the new year with new guests and conversations focused on improving mental health in the workplace and in life year-round.
Thank you for listening. Thank you for supporting this mission. And remember—together, we can continue to build mental health momentum.
Merry Christmas from Silicon Slopes!
For decades, Nicea DeGering has been a familiar, trusted voice in Utah homes delivering the news, celebrating “good things,” and interviewing everyone from celebrities to presidential candidates. But behind the polished on-air presence is a deeply personal story shaped by mental health, advocacy, and hard-earned perspective.
In this refreshingly honest episode of Mental Health Momentum, Dr. David Morgan sits down with Nicea to talk about the things we used to whisper about and why we can’t afford to anymore.
Nicea shares what it was like growing up in the 80s and 90s, when mental health wasn’t discussed, therapy was taboo, and families were expected to quietly “handle things.” She opens up about her sister’s decades-long mental health journey, becoming an advocate at just 12 years old, and witnessing firsthand how stigma can isolate people who are already suffering.
This conversation goes far beyond diagnosis or labels. Together, Dr. Morgan and Nicea explore:
Why saying “I’m fine” is often the least honest thing we say
How compassion is built through lived experience and why it matters
The cost of perfection culture, especially for women
Why emotional growth requires struggle (just like physical growth does)
How social media both connects us—and overwhelms us
What it really means to “visit” hard emotions without living there
This episode is a reminder that mental health isn’t an “other people” issue. It’s a human issue. It’s our sisters. Our daughters. Our neighbors. Ourselves.
And most importantly: talking about it isn’t weakness—it’s how stigma loses its power.
If you’ve ever…
Felt pressure to look like you have it all together
Struggled to slow your mind in a nonstop world
Wondered how to support someone without “fixing” them
Questioned whether your voice belongs in the room
. . . This episode is for you. Listen now:
In this Mental Health Momentum episode, Dr. David Morgan sits down with marketer-turned-health-advocate James Keddington for a candid conversation about the realities of mental health, especially inside the workplace.
After working over 20 years in marketing, James found himself facing a perfect storm of physical decline, trauma, and spiraling mental health. What began as exhaustion and stress evolved into two years of nightmares, deteriorating health, and hidden suicidal ideation.
What pulled him back was a single, startling moment: realizing that his brain and body were functioning worse than his aging mother who had dementia. That wake-up call sparked a transformation that led him to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a deeper understanding of how every dimension of health—physical, mental, emotional, and even “brain health,” as he calls it—intertwines. As he rebuilt his life through intentional change, James uncovered something powerful: healthier workplaces create healthier humans and unhealthy ones leave collateral damage.
Today, James is committed to speaking openly about the mental health struggles so many employees keep hidden by engaging in conversation that shines a light on the messy middle of personal change, the weight of workplace trauma, and the urgent need for healthier, more human-centered work environments.
Whether you've battled burnout, lived through layoffs, or simply want to understand your own well-being better, this conversation is a reminder that change is possible—at any age, in any circumstance, and one small step at a time.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, host Dr. David Morgan sits down with Dr. Susan Madsen, global scholar, leadership expert, and founder of the Utah Women in Leadership Project, for an extraordinary and insightful conversation.
From mental health to women’s leadership, Dr. Madsen elaborates on personal well-being, societal change, and professional impact. Mental health is a personal issue. However, it’s also a leadership issue, influencing everything from confidence and financial literacy to navigating abuse and systemic barriers.
Listeners will hear:
Why women’s mental health is inseparable from leadership effectiveness
How societal structures, domestic violence, and gender-based discrimination shape opportunities and outcomes
The critical role of purpose and “calling” in women’s professional development
Insights from decades of global research, spanning nine books and hundreds of publications
How being a grandmother, a scholar, and an advocate informs her unique perspective on leadership
And much more. .
This episode is for women as well as anyone interested in how mental health, leadership, and societal change intersect. Tune in to get inspired, challenged, and equipped to make a bolder impact in your work and life.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, Dr. David Morgan sits down with Michael Anderson, Co-Founder of Empowered Families in Provo, Utah, and creator of the men’s healing community Unbound.
Michael shares how working with men one-on-one—often around pornography struggles, shame, and identity—opened his eyes to a critical gap: men want help, but they rarely believe they’re allowed to ask for it. Social expectations, lack of resources, and the fear of appearing weak all combine to keep men silent…until they realize that connection is the very thing that strengthens them.
Together, David and Michael explore:
Why many men are still socialized to “handle it themselves”—and why that’s hurting them
How group connection creates breakthroughs that one-on-one therapy often can’t
The origins of Michael’s Unbound program and the power of community-based healing
Why healing isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about rediscovering who you already are
The future of coaching, therapy, and mental-health accessibility
The paradox of vulnerability: how admitting weakness unlocks deeper strength
What begins as a conversation about his unconventional path into marriage and family therapy unfolds into a deeply honest discussion about men’s mental health, vulnerability, and the quiet suffering so many men carry alone.
Whether you're a mental-health professional, a man navigating your own healing journey, or someone supporting the men in your life, this conversation offers real insight, hope, and a roadmap toward connection and wholeness.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, host Dr. David Morgan sits down with Brianne Wolfgramm-Hardy, Director of Community and Business Development at Aspen Grove Behavioral Hospital and a 20-year veteran in the mental health field.
Together, they explore the real challenges families face in accessing behavioral health care, the stigma that keeps people silent, and why mental health should be viewed as a spectrum we’re all on—not an issue reserved for “them” or “others.”
Brianne shares powerful personal experiences, insights from working across Utah’s mental health system, and a bold challenge for communities, schools, businesses, and healthcare professionals: show up, collaborate, and break down the silos.
Together, David and Brianne discuss suicide awareness, specialized psychiatric care, trauma-informed access, the role of employers and insurance providers, and why authentic vulnerability among leaders can shift culture faster than policy alone.
It’s an honest, heartfelt, and solution-oriented conversation you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, host Dr. David Morgan sits down with Melanie Jones, CEO of the Women’s Leadership Institute, to explore the real connection between mental health, leadership, and appreciation in the workplace.
Melanie is candid about her own personal journey through a dangerous mental health spiral and what it took to climb out. Her story is one of vulnerability and resilience, revealing that even high-achievers aren’t immune to the weight of burnout or self-doubt.
Together, Dr. Morgan and Melanie present a provocative idea: burnout isn’t always caused by overwork. Sometimes, it’s caused by underappreciation.
They discuss what it truly means to create psychologically safe workplaces, how gratitude can be a leadership superpower, and why recognizing people for their contributions might be the most powerful form of mental health support a company can offer.
Whether you’re a leader trying to build a stronger culture or someone navigating your own journey toward balance, this episode will leave you reflecting, inspired, and ready to lead with empathy.
For years, we’ve been told “it’s just business.” But what if that’s exactly what’s breaking us?
In this powerful conversation, Dr. David Morgan sits down with Cory Ivins, a human performance strategist who’s made it his mission to bring humanity back into the workplace.
After climbing the corporate ladder, hitting top-tier sales numbers, and nearly losing everything that mattered, Cory realized that high performance means nothing without purpose and that mental health isn’t a side conversation; it’s the foundation.
From the brink of burnout and personal crisis to building teams of “savants and misfits” that thrive, Cory shares how reconnecting people to purpose leads to stronger businesses, healthier relationships, and even saved lives.
Together, Dr. Morgan and Cory unpack the myths of grind culture, the mental toll of the AI revolution, and why the best leaders treat their people with the same care they give their products.
If you’ve ever asked yourself whether success is worth the cost — or wondered how to build something great without losing yourself — this episode will stop you in your tracks.
What if being seen—truly seen—could save a life?
In this episode of Silicon Slopes Mental Health Momentum, Dr. David Morgan talks with Julie De Jesus, a keynote speaker, author of I See You: How Compassionate Connection Saves Lives, and host of the I See You podcast.
Julie shares her deeply personal journey from a mental health breakdown during her student teaching years to becoming one of today’s most authentic voices for human connection. She reveals how a simple act of compassion from a professor—“Try again tomorrow”—helped her reclaim hope and purpose.
Together, David and Julie explore:
The difference between being “nice” and being real
Why vulnerability is the new leadership superpower
How human connection builds resilience and prevents burnout
The quiet, life-changing power of compassion in the workplace
Julie’s message is clear: human connection is a soft skill, but it’s also a survival skill. This conversation will leave you thinking differently about how you lead, listen, and live, and how allowing yourself to be seen can change everything.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, host Dr. David Morgan sits down with Alyssa DeHart, CEO of the Utah Advocacy Coalition, to explore the power of authenticity and community in mental health advocacy. Alyssa shares her personal journey with depression, the challenges of navigating care systems for her children with disabilities, and her mission to create stronger, more connected communities through initiatives like People Pitch and Connection Tours. Discover how embracing differences, fostering belonging, and mobilizing resources can transform lives and build a more resilient Utah for all.
In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with Charity Stillson, a stress recovery expert and corporate wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. Charity shares her journey from personal stress addiction to developing the Body Intelligence System, revealing powerful strategies to break free from burnout, manage stress at its root, and retrain the mind for lasting resilience. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiring conversations that empower you to take charge of your mental well-being.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, host Dr. David Morgan welcomes Mike Allen, co-founder of Here Brotherhood and The Light in Us, to discuss his shift from a high-flying branding career to leading transformative men’s retreats. Mike shares how a career break sparked a journey of self-discovery, leading him to create safe spaces for men to combat loneliness and depression through breathwork, meditation, and vulnerability. Discover the mission of Here Brotherhood, the impact of fostering deep connections, and practical insights for embracing authenticity and purpose in mental health. A must-listen for anyone looking to build resilience and community in today’s fast-paced world!
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, Dr. David Morgan sits down with Dave Barney, CEO and co-founder of Elizachat, an AI-powered mental wellness platform. With more than 25 years of experience in AI and machine learning, including a decade at Google, Dave shares his personal journey with mental health and why he’s passionate about building preventative solutions. Together, they discuss the rise in mental health challenges, the importance of focusing on what we can control, and how new technology like Elizachat can provide meaningful support and connection.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, Dr. Morgan sits down with Melissa Garland, creator of the Yoga Mastery Institute and the Living in Choice Stress Management Program, to explore how mindfulness, movement, and meditation can transform workplace culture and personal wellbeing.
Melissa shares her journey from global tech marketing to building programs that aim to reduce stress, improve communication, and boost team performance. They discuss practical, accessible tools for better mental health at work and beyond.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, Dr. David Morgan talks with Utah business leader and publisher Jeannette Bennett about her journey through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and and building resilience.
Jeannette shares how her family’s experiences with mental health shaped her perspective and why vulnerability fuels authentic leadership. She reflects on lessons from building magazines, serving on nonprofit boards, and even running for state senate. They discuss breaking s down stigma, embracing curiosity, and defining success on your own terms.
On this episode of Mental Health Momentum, host Dr. David Morgan, licensed psychologist and Director of Mental Health Awareness at Silicon Slopes, is joined by Kristi Keding, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Together, they explore common misconceptions about mental health, the stigma that keeps people from seeking help, and practical strategies for building resilience. With Kristi’s focus on sustainable self-care and Dr. Morgan’s clinical expertise, the conversation offers valuable insights for both high achievers and anyone striving to improve their mental well-being.
In this Silicon Slopes Mental Health Momentum podcast, Dr. David Morgan interviews mental health advocate and Promise2Live founder, Brandy Vega. Brandy shares her powerful personal journey with suicide prevention, from her own struggles as a youth to hardship in her adult life. She explains how Promise2Live empowers people to "buckle up for their souls" by making a promise to reach out in times of crisis, while also building connection and community. The conversation highlights how breaking stigma, starting a dialogue, and offering simple support can help save lives.
In this episode of Mental Health Momentum, Dr. David Morgan sits down with investor Jay Toby to explore how financial expertise can expand access to behavioral health services. Jay shares his journey from private equity to building impactful investments in underserved mental health and addiction recovery facilities. Together, they discuss the challenges of Medicaid populations, the importance of long-term aftercare, and the role of businesses in supporting employee well-being. This fantastic conversation highlights how aligning capital with compassion can transform both communities and lives.
Dr. David Morgan sits down with Ethan Whitehead, CEO of Stack Integrated, to explore the connection between entrepreneurship and mental health. Ethan shares his journey of building a startup from his basement, the challenges of balancing growth with well-being, and why purpose matters in overcoming depression. They discuss social media’s impact on mental health, the importance of resilience in leadership, and practical ways to create meaning in both work and life. A powerful conversation for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating mental health in a fast-paced world.
Dr. David Morgan chats with leadership expert Robin Huling about mental health in the workplace. They discuss burnout, recognizing stress early, and how leaders can foster supportive environments. Robin shares insights on communication styles, gender differences in leadership, and practical ways to prioritize well-being at work. A must-listen for leaders and professionals navigating workplace mental health.
Follow Silicon Slopes Podcast for more on mental health and leadership.