Dive into Episode #160 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Heliana Ramirez, a licensed clinical social worker, trauma therapist, and nationally recognized expert in workplace trauma recovery, and a guest from episode 96 of the podcast. In this episode, Dr. Ramirez shares her research on the challenges pregnant workers face in the workplace. The research also served as the basis for her contribution to a new book, “Corporate Blues,” which includes a series of stories about women in Toxic workplaces.

Dive into Episode #158 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest retired Chief Fire Officer Tiffanye Wesley, the Chair of the Black Chief Officers’ Committee. Chief Wesley is the first female chair of the BCOC in its 40-year history and assumes this role after a string of barrier-breaking accomplishments over a 30-year career in the fire rescue service. Chief Wesley shares some of the challenges that she experienced and overcame in a system not designed for her success.

Dive into Episode #157 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest, Ms. Camay McClure-Dunn, a career legal professional, speaker, and consultant. Without question, the psychosocial hazard that we know the most about is workplace bullying. Despite what we know about the harm that workplace bullying can cause, the behaviour is still pervasive in many organizations across the United States, and targets of this behavior will often need support to process their experience and exposure. Ms. Camay works with the targets of workplace bullying to help them not only survive and recover from their exposure but also to help reframe the experience in ways that not only help them survive but also help them thrive in their long-term recovery efforts, including recognizing the “power of their exposure.”

Dive into Episode #156 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Peter Kelly, one of the global pioneers of the concept of psychological health and safety and a former regulator in the Health and Safety Executive office in the United Kingdom. Peter was one of the early contributors to the UK workplace mental health standards in 2004, which were the foundation for standards in Canada and Australia. He was also involved in the development of ISO 45003. His recent venture, “Being Real,” is a company focused on workplace mental health. He’s also the host of the “Being Real” podcast. In this episode he shares some of his knowledge and expertise. He also takes us behind the process that is taken to establish a set of enforceable standards relative to workplace mental health.

Dive into Episode #155 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Felix Boachie, on the founder of a new effort to create a safe space for Black Occupational/Environmental Health and Safety Professionals. BOLD or Black in OOEH Leading Disctinctively will have its first event, the BOLD Summit, in Atlanta on October 23 -24, 2025, and is still in its infancy in terms of its future. This conversation delves into many of the drivers behind such an effort, many of which are rooted in some of the unique challenges that Black professionals face in any profession in America, especially in the current environment.

Dive into Episode #154 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Adam Nemer, a former healthcare CFO whose lived experience led him to an awareness of the importance and the business case for focusing on workplace mental health. In this episode, Adam shares not only his own deeply personal story of dealing with mental illness, but he also shares data about how a focus on workplace mental health addresses several business imperatives. Investing in workplace mental health isn't just an ethical responsibility; it's a strategic business decision that directly impacts productivity, retention, and overall company performance.

Dive into Episode #153 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Lawanda Hall, a risk and insurance professional, about the importance of understanding and managing risk of all kinds as a strategy for overall organizational effectiveness and sustainability. While many risk management programs and professionals focus on the risks that affect the organization, they can at times underestimate and under-focus on risks that impact the human beings in the organization. When most people hear the word “risk,” they tend to think of physical hazards like chemicals, flammable materials, slippery floors, faulty wiring, or heavy machinery. Interestingly, some people don’t have a fundamental understanding of what risk is. Without this understanding, it is challenging to manage any risk, whether it be physical or psychosocial. Ms. Hall believes that it is essential to focus on all aspects of risk, including those that involve the people in the organization, if for no other reason than the organization can not exist without people.

Dive into Episode #152 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Carl Knight, the Chief Safety Officer for the Baltimore City Fire Department. Deputy Chief Knight is not only responsible for the safety program for the 1600 members of the fire rescue department, but he is also an active member of the department’s dive rescue team. During the team’s response to a major incident, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024, after being struck by a container ship, and the January 2025 plane crash near the DC Airport. Chief Knight has developed a sense of calm that is noticeably superior to that of other team members. This mindset is not only present during specific events and incidents, but extends over into how he lives his life.

Dive into Episode #151 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guests Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson, Dr. Andrew Holter, and Mat Jeanius. The panel for this episode will approach the concept of psychological health and safety from an “Organizational Theraupic Psychology” lens, as a mental health professional that deals with both organizations and the individual within those organizations. - Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson is a returning guest from Episode 24. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist and corporate mental health consultant. - Dr. Andrew Holter is a returning guest from Episode 9. He is an organizational psychologist and manager in a public health organization in the Washington, DC area. - Mat Jeanius is a returning guest from Episode 132. He is a Marriage and Family Therapist who focuses on the wellness of black males. The panel discusses the current state of psychological health and safety in the United States, offering insights into the future.

To celebrate episode 150, gain exclusive access to a must-hear presentation from the PHSCON 2025 stage. Host Dr. I. David Daniels is joined by global psychosocial safety leader Kana’e Dyas for a frank and unscripted conversation on the reality of inclusive work design. Pushing beyond corporate buzzwords, they offer actionable strategies for mitigating psychosocial hazards, fostering true equity, and building a psychologically healthy workplace where everyone genuinely belongs.

Discover how organizational limits become hidden psychosocial hazards and what leaders can do about it. In Episode #149 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, Dr. I. David Daniels sits down with leadership expert Simmone Bowe to explore practical ways to reduce stress, improve workplace well-being, and unlock a truly “limitless” organization.

Dive into Episode #148 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Gloria Hartley, the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech University. She is also the child of immigrants, a veteran of the United States Navy, and has spent over a decade in and around the human resource space in both the private and public sectors. One of her professional goals has been to convert conversations about Civil and Human Rights into practical language and steps that people can take to protect workers and the organization. Civil rights and psychosocial safety are deeply interconnected. Civil rights ensure that individuals are protected from discrimination and have equal access to opportunities, which is fundamental for creating a safe and inclusive environment. Psychosocial safety, however, refers to the psychological and social conditions that allow individuals to feel safe, respected, and valued in their communities and workplaces. Individuals are more likely to experience psychosocial safety when civil rights are upheld because they are protected from discrimination, harassment, and other forms of harm. This creates an environment where people can express themselves freely, participate fully in society, and feel a sense of belonging. Conversely, when civil rights are violated, it can lead to a lack of psychosocial safety, resulting in stress, anxiety, and other adverse mental health outcomes. LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriamhartley/

Dive into Episode #147 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and (Episode 41) returning guest Dr. Joe Grasso, a Clinical Psychologist, Workplace Mental Health Strategist, and Vice President of Workforce Transformation at Lyra Health. Dr. Grasso will be a featured speaker at PHSCON 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Grasso will share his assessment of the State of Psych Health and Safety in the United States during this episode. While the USA has been a decade and a half, there are clear signs that organizations understand the imperative of addressing workplace mental health in a systemic way.

Dive into Episode #146 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Monique Parker, 2025 Senior Vice President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) talks about her career as a safety professional, her ascension to President of the ASSP in 2026 and the future of the safety profession, including her view regarding the importance that psychological health and safety will play. The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) was founded on March 25, 1911. It was initially established as the United Association of Casualty Inspectors in response to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, a tragic workplace disaster that killed 146 garment workers. The organization later changed its name to the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) in 1914. Then, it adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect the evolving nature of the safety profession. After over twenty years in the safety profession, Ms. Parker will be become the 11th woman in the history of the ASSP and the first black woman to serve as president of the society.

Dive into Episode #145 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Louise Esola, a workers' compensation-focused journalist with Business Insurance, a role she has held for nearly 20 years. Psychological injuries are often more challenging to quantify than physical injuries, and the compensation awarded can depend on factors such as the severity of the condition, its impact on the employee's ability to perform their job, and the evidence provided to support the claim. Workers' compensation is handled differently in every state in the United States and even within the same state when it comes to psychological injuries. Ms. Esola will share her perspective on this important topic, which she has gained from the many worker's compensation stories and cases that she has covered over the years.

Dive into Episode #144 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Keidra Norwood, a human capital risk and safety consultant and founder of Egan Rose Consulting. Ms. Norwood is also a motivational speaker who specializes in helping people overcome imposter syndrome. With over 20 years of experience in risk management, compliance, change management, and executive advisory services across various industry sectors, Ms. Norwood helps her clients mitigate human capital risk by optimizing policies, empowering leaders, and providing strategies grounded in holistic employee engagement. She focuses on enabling organizations to put the human back in human capital and in conducting “safe space sessions” to help “unbreak the souls” of especially women that have been exposed to toxic work environments.

Dive into Episode #143 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and returning guest Amy Roosa, the founder of “the Safety Rack,” a non-profit that advocates for equity in PPE for women. The Safety Rack has just recently launched as a nonprofit, and one of its first efforts is the release of the Equity Report. This document documents the challenges that women across the globe have in acquiring PPE that fits. There are some interesting trends when comparing workplace injury rates to workforce representation. Those who identify as male make up about 53% of the workforce, but they account for a significantly higher proportion of fatal occupational injuries, approximately 92% each year. However, the gap narrows regarding nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work (DAFW). In 2021-2022, those identifying as female experienced 46% of the DAFW cases. This indicates that while men are more likely to suffer fatal injuries, women are more likely to experience nonfatal injuries that require time off work. In the case of psychological injuries, such as mental health issues, there are distinct patterns between men and women. Women are more likely to experience common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders and to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. On the other hand, men are more likely to die by suicide, with three times as many men as women dying by suicide. Men also report lower levels of life satisfaction and are less likely to access psychological therapies compared to women. An argument could be made that when an organization has an equitable approach to health and safety, both women and men benefit.

Dive into Episode #142 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Fire Chief Chris Tubbs, a veteran of over 45 years in the fire rescue service in two states, including the last 17 as a Fire Chief. In 1995, Chris was a member of FEMA’s Washington Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 that responded to the Oklahoma City Bombing. The lasting impact of the Oklahoma City Bombing on those who responded has been profound and multifaceted. A longitudinal study conducted nearly 25 years after the event revealed several key findings: 1. Psychological Impact: Many responders experienced long-term psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The trauma of the event had a lasting impact on their mental health. 2. Resilience and Coping: Respondents also demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the challenges. Many found meaning and affirmation in their work, reaffirming their commitment to helping others. 3. Personal and Professional Relationships: The experience significantly affected their personal and professional relationships. Some reported strained relationships with family and friends, while others found renewed purpose in their careers. 4. Sense of Pride: Many responders expressed pride in participating and did not regret their involvement. They felt that their service honored both the survivors and their profession. 5. Need for Support: The study highlighted the importance of ongoing support for responders, including emotional and psychological assistance. Many felt that the attention to their emotional and psychological recovery was limited Chief Tubbs and Dr. Daniels discuss their recollection of responding to the incident and other topics related to psychological health and safety in the fire rescue service.

Dive into Episode #141 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Robert Avsec, a retired fire battalion chief now a freelance writer, mental health advocate and a member of the Fire Services Psychology Association. Chief Avesc has dedicated himself to helping construct a bridge between the fire rescue service and the psychology community. Firefighters face significant psychological challenges due to the nature of their work, including PTSD from exposure to traumatic events, depression and anxiety from the high-stress environment, and burnout from physical and emotional demands. Substance abuse can sometimes arise as a coping mechanism, further affecting mental health. Irregular hours often lead to sleep problems, and witnessing tragic events can result in grief and loss. Moreover, there is a stigma around seeking mental health support within the firefighting community, which can prevent individuals from getting the help they need. Comprehensive psychological support and awareness are crucial for addressing these challenges.

Dive into Episode #140 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Stephanie Williams, a Chief Diversity Executive at a higher and continuing education institution. Ms. Willams is charged with advising executive leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion-related strategies to address a more diverse community of staff, faculty, and students. College campuses have become more diverse over time. Recent data shows a significant increase in the enrollment of students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. For instance, the share of white students has decreased from 66.8% in 2011 to 55.5% in 2022. Hispanic student enrollment increased from 11.2% to 18.5% during the same period, and Asian student enrollment grew from 7.3% to 9.7%. These changes reflect broader demographic shifts in the U.S. population and highlight the importance of diversity initiatives on campuses nationwide. However, it's important to note that simply having a diverse student body isn't enough; fostering meaningful interactions across different social groups is also crucial for reaping the benefits of diversity.