A Mental Health Break-logo

A Mental Health Break

Mental

Welcome to the #1 podcast dedicated to mental health, where you are never alone. This Top Weekly Show provides a safe, supportive platform to normalize conversations around mental health through authentic, inspirational testimonials. Since 2020, Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor, 3x Mental Health Author, and host Vincent A. Lanci and his guests have shared vulnerable stories and powerful insights that remind you—you are not alone on your journey. Each week, we dive into real-life experiences from mental health advocates, professionals, and individuals who’ve overcome adversity. Together, we tackle a wide range of topics, including trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and family challenges. From grief and social media addiction to mental health in the workplace and life after divorce, every episode offers valuable tools, advice, and understanding for anyone navigating life’s toughest moments. As someone who survived a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Vincent uses his personal journey to help others, blending his lived experiences with the wisdom of experts to empower you on your own path to healing. Whether you’re struggling with a mental disorder or simply looking for support, A Mental Health Break is your weekly source of hope, guidance, and connection. Tune in each week for honest conversations, practical tools, and the reassurance that you're not alone. Let’s break the silence together.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Mental

Description:

Welcome to the #1 podcast dedicated to mental health, where you are never alone. This Top Weekly Show provides a safe, supportive platform to normalize conversations around mental health through authentic, inspirational testimonials. Since 2020, Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor, 3x Mental Health Author, and host Vincent A. Lanci and his guests have shared vulnerable stories and powerful insights that remind you—you are not alone on your journey. Each week, we dive into real-life experiences from mental health advocates, professionals, and individuals who’ve overcome adversity. Together, we tackle a wide range of topics, including trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and family challenges. From grief and social media addiction to mental health in the workplace and life after divorce, every episode offers valuable tools, advice, and understanding for anyone navigating life’s toughest moments. As someone who survived a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Vincent uses his personal journey to help others, blending his lived experiences with the wisdom of experts to empower you on your own path to healing. Whether you’re struggling with a mental disorder or simply looking for support, A Mental Health Break is your weekly source of hope, guidance, and connection. Tune in each week for honest conversations, practical tools, and the reassurance that you're not alone. Let’s break the silence together.

Twitter:

@vincentanci

Language:

English

Contact:

8135393649


Episodes
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#280: The Weight of Loss & The Power of Vulnerability with James Hatfield

2/23/2025
Join us for a deeply moving and incredibly powerful conversation on this week's episode. We sit down with James Hatfield, who bravely shares his experience navigating the profound loss of close friends. He opens up about the waves of sadness that washed over him, the unique challenges of growing up alongside a friend with cystic fibrosis who tragically passed away at just 19, and the difficult journey of processing such a significant loss. This isn't just an episode about grief, though. James' story is a testament to the importance of talking about our feelings, even the difficult ones. He emphasizes the crucial need for open communication and the healing power of vulnerability. He shares how allowing himself to be vulnerable helped him process his grief and find strength in sharing his experience. This episode is a reminder that you're not alone in your struggles and that opening up can be the first step towards healing. Tune in for a raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful conversation about love, loss, and the power of human connection. This is a mental health break you won't want to miss. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com. This show is brought to you by the Empathy Set and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:22:23

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#279: 101 Mindfulness Practices for Anxiety Relief with Ashton August

2/16/2025
Overwhelmed by anxiety? Join us on A Mental Health Break as we welcome back wellness leader Ashton August, author of 101 Mindfulness Practices to Ease Anxiety. Ashton shares a powerful practice from her new book, discusses her writing journey, and offers practical mindfulness techniques for breathwork, mindful movement, and nervous system regulation. Learn tangible tools to find calm amidst the chaos. In this episode, we discuss: 101 Mindfulness Practices to Ease AnxietyAbout Ashton August: Ashton August is an author, yoga/meditation instructor, and wellness leader. She's the force behind YouAligned.com and the YouAligned Classes app, and author of A Year of Self-Motivation for Women, Learn. Grow. Shift., and 101 Mindfulness Practices to Ease Anxiety. Follow her journey on our show with her first episode: Click here to enjoy the show.🔔 Subscribe for more mental health conversations, tips, and insights 💬 Comment below with your takeaways and experiences Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com. This show is brought to you by the Empathy Set and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:24:53

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#278: A Flash in His Late 20's That Changed his Life with David Steele

2/11/2025
David Steele joins us to share his powerful journey of overcoming adversity and achieving self-actualization. David opens up about the mental health challenges he faced growing up, including the anxieties stemming from financial struggles. He emphasizes the profound impact of feeling loved and valued, and how this foundation is crucial for mental well-being. He also discusses the importance of regularly conducting a "relationship audit", where you take stock of the connections in your life and ensure they are contributing positively to your mental and emotional health. David shares a pivotal moment in his late 20s, a "flashpoint" that dramatically shifted his perspective and set him on a path of intentional growth. He stresses the importance of setting authentic goals, those that resonate with your true self rather than being dictated by societal pressures. As we learned on That Entrepreneur Show, David is the founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors. His commitment to helping clients simplify their lives and achieve their financial goals is deeply rooted in his own experiences of overcoming financial hardship. Beyond finance, he is a passionate creator with ventures spanning hospitality, the arts, and consumer products, reflecting his belief in living a full and multifaceted life. He also touches on: 🔔 Subscribe for more mental health tips and insights! 💬 Comment below with your takeaways and experiences! Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com. This show is brought to you by the Empathy Set and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:19:20

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#277: Breaking Free from Trauma with Alex Abraham's Story

2/2/2025
Alex Abraham is a passionate advocate for healing from childhood sexual abuse. After years of struggling with the emotional and physical scars of trauma, he discovered the transformative power of psychedelic-assisted therapy. His journey, chronicled in his new book, "Trauma and Ecstasy: How Psychedelics Made My Life Worth Living," offers a deeply personal and insightful exploration of healing through non-traditional methods. Alex lives in Austin, Texas, where he continues to educate others about the potential of psychedelic therapies for trauma recovery. He founded Psychedelic Pathways to support individuals on their own healing journeys and also touches on today: He explores his book, Trauma and Ecstacy, on Writing with Authors here! Don't miss the recording after this show to learn more about our guest. Guest Insights: Support the show ************ Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. This show is brought to you by www.JohnFord.com and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:19:34

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276: Recharge & Reclaim on Panel #2 with Renzo and Steven

1/26/2025
Buckle up for an honest conversation about mental health 🧠🎙️ Panel #2 is here! We touch on a lot, including these areas with Renzo Del Castillo and Steven Twohig: Renzo Del Castillo, Author of Still, a natural collaborator, mentor, and visionary leader who excels at inspiring others to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Steven Twohig, Author of Turning Within, Facilitator, Guide | 25 years of experience in the trenches of profound transformation and implementation. This episode is perfect for you if: Don't miss this insightful conversation! Enjoy their Debuts: Renzo's First Episode, When Life Does the Unexpected, Keep Going with Renzo Del CastilloSteven's First Episode, Childhood Trauma -> Shadow Work & Psychedelic IntegrationSupport the show ************ Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. This show is brought to you by www.JohnFord.com and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:48:56

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#275: BTS Left for Dead with Vincent A. Lanci

1/20/2025
LEFT FOR DEAD: A car left Lanci on the side of the road after hitting him on foot. What was Vincent's motivating fuel when he woke up from a coma? Join us for this heartfelt show to learn this and more. He touches on: There were no 24 Hour ATMs. No Uber/Lyft/Venmo/ Zelle Availability. There were no Direct Flights for his family. His family had to call Tampa General Hospital to make sure he was still alive before boarding their connecting flight. Learn more about your host and walk away inspired when you hit play. Support the show ************ Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. This show is brought to you by www.JohnFord.com and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:13:52

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#274: The Enemy of Humanity is Shame with Bronwyn Schweigerdt

1/12/2025
5 years in and we are not slowing down now! Bronwyn touches on: Welcome back to A Mental Health Break! Please rate and leave a review if you enjoy the show. Meet Our Guest: Hi! I am Bronwyn Schweigerdt, LMFT, licensed psychotherapist, anger expert, and Podcast Host of Angry at the Right Things. I specialize in anger as well as shame, the two most misunderstood feelings for both therapists and lay people alike. These feelings often cause us to dissociate – which leads to mental illness, such as anxiety and depression. My mission is to reorient our relationship with anger to view it as a light on our emotional dashboard – inviting us to look under the hood in order to bring repair. As we do, we learn how to trust ourselves, viewing our anger as something that gives us wisdom, so we can channel it out of our bodies into boundaries and assertive speech. Most of all, I love to lead others in “Integration Exercises”, in which they give back their feelings of shame to the rightful owner, and reconnect to themselves. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. This show is brought to you by www.JohnFord.com and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:21:32

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#273: Join Us in Celebration of 5 Years of Weekly Shows with Dr. Carlos Garcia

1/5/2025
Five years of weekly mental health support – we're celebrating! Tune into today's show for an episode filled with support and encouragement. On this special episode of A Mental Health Break, we're joined by Dr. Carlos Garcia, Founder of Tampa Counseling and Wellness, for a discussion on building a healthier, happier you. Thank you for being a mental health champion and helping make this show a Top 10% Global Podcast. We appreciate you. Remember, you are never alone. Sometimes, we all just need A Mental Health Break in the day. Want to go back to Episode #1? We have got you covered. Check it out here! Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. This show is brought to you by www.JohnFord.com and Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Duration:00:15:19

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#272: Our Year Together

12/30/2024
Let's dive into the year that was together. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:12:24

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#271: Julie & Adam on Navigating Chronic Illness + Living with Purpose

12/22/2024
For the estimated 2.8 million people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) worldwide, the disease can be unpredictable, causing a significant burden not only on those living with it but also on their families and loved ones. Join us for an inspirational show with Julie Stamm, a mother, author, and advocate living with MS since 2007, and her husband, Adam. In this episode, you'll discover: The turning point she asked for helpAdvice for support systemsFocusing nowCommitment and Resilience Meet Our Guests Julie A. Stamm, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007, has dedicated her life to educating, advocating, and supporting those with chronic illnesses. Her global work with physicians, patients, and foundations has helped lessen the burdens of those affected. After the birth of her son in 2016, Julie focused on supporting children of parents with chronic illnesses, writing the children’s book Some Days: A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom’s Chronic Illness to normalize diverse abilities. In 2023, she co-created 52 Essential Inclusion Skills with Dr. Jenny Woo, a guide promoting kindness, compassion, and respect for all abilities. Julie’s mission has reshaped conversations around chronic illness, highlighting resilience and advocating for the underrepresented. Adam Romsdahl is a dedicated advocate, father, and special education paraprofessional passionate about healthcare and community support. He met his wife, Julie Stamm, in 2013. From the beginning, Adam became a steadfast supporter in her journey, standing by her side in advocacy and raising awareness for multiple sclerosis. Together, they welcomed their son, Jack, in 2016, who has become a source of inspiration and joy for the family. Adam’s commitment to his family and his work as a disability advocate reflects his deep dedication to resilience, inclusivity, and creating a positive impact in his community. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:22:41

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#270: Facing Trauma, Finding Peace, and Hiding in Plain Sight with Doug White

12/15/2024
Before the year ends, we have a few more incredible guests heading your way! This week, Doug White discusses: Experiences with PTSDPistol in his hand… Decision to makeSleep disturbanceFinding peace when you reach retirementKey Lessons from his story Meet Our Guest Doug White is a veteran and retired first responder with over 30 years of combined service. He wrote and published Hiding in Plain Sight: The Truth about Trauma, Service, and The Way Forward to fulfill a new mission: starting honest, necessary conversations about the challenges faced by veterans, first responders, and their families. These challenges emerge when a life of selfless service inevitably collides with the complex realities of the human condition. Through his book, Hiding in Plain Sight, and the Tell This Story platform, his mission is to create a space where voices are heard and hope is shared for those still hiding in plain sight. Each week on Tell This Story, he sits down with fellow veterans, first responders, and their loved ones to unpack these struggles through authentic storytelling and work together on finding a way forward. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:14:44

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Is the cost of being unhappy worth it? Workplace Stress + Finding Balance with Garrett Delph

12/8/2024
Do you face immense stress from your career? A familiar face is here to help us manage! Join us as Garrett Delph discusses: ✨ The stress of providing for your family ✨ Work-related stress ✨ How your stress and your actions can affect others ✨ The aha moment: “this is no way to live.” ✨ Recognizing bad thoughts Delph first joined That Entrepreneur Show, and when Lanci learned of his willingness to share his journey, he invited him to the show. You can check out that show here. Garrett Delph brings over 25 years of expertise in optimizing and scaling businesses, focusing on creating operational frameworks that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance team performance. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:16:11

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#268: Finding Gratitude: Overcoming Holiday Blues with Memories & Compassion ft. Renzo Del Castillo"

11/28/2024
Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful that you listen each week to keep the show going. To celebrate the holiday, Vincent brought back show favorite Renzo Del Castillo! Enjoy the day with your loved ones, and happy listening. If you missed his first show, When Life Does the Unexpected, Keep Going, join the conversation here after you finish his Thanksgiving return. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:20:11

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#267: From Trauma to Transformation with Miriam Jacobson

11/24/2024
Another mental health champion is here! This week, Miriam Jacobson shares: From victim to alchemist: Becoming the empowered protagonist in her life story impacted by the 9/11 attacks. Trauma and the gut: How regulating the nervous system and processing emotions can transform pain into health (a functional medicine perspective).Getting off the diet hamster wheel: Finding freedom and peace of mind around food and your body (this includes nutrition beyond weight loss and aesthetics and creating a more balanced mindset around diet, food, and exercise).Meet our guest Miriam is a triple board-certified Functional Medicine Dietitian with 15+ years of experience helping people transform their physical and mental well-being through food, mindset, lifestyle, breathwork, and somatic therapy. Her practice, Every Body Bliss, combines holistic healing with her personal journey of overcoming trauma, including losing her father to 9/11, surviving pollutants from the Twin Towers, and battling breast cancer. Miriam is writing a memoir on healing through trauma and specializes in addressing mystery symptoms like poor digestion, fatigue, and mood imbalances. A sought-after speaker on turning grief into health, Miriam has been featured in HuffPost, New York magazine, BuzzFeed, MindBodyGreen, HUM Nutrition, and Voyage LA. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:21:19

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#264: EQ, Cult Mentality, & Power of Positivity with Danielle Palli

11/3/2024
Danielle Palli is a Nationally Board-Certified Positive Psychology & Mindfulness Coach, Multi-genre author & book coach, and multimedia content creator & presenter. She approaches life with playfulness, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. She has specialty certifications in emotional intelligence, MBTI personality types, trauma-informed coaching, metaphysical and spiritual studies, and relationship coaching. Danielle previously taught yoga, journaling, and meditation for 18+ years and continues to lead meditation and journaling workshops today. Currently, Palli works in the mental health space and is a contract coach for Spring Health and BetterUp. She also maintains a private practice through her company, Birdland Media Works. She also discusses: Growing up in a cult and warning signs of a cultHaving decisions made for you – leading to lack of confidenceOvercoming self-worth issuesFinding peaceSupport the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:18:42

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#263: Harnessing Fear and Anxiety from Lawyer Stephen J Dietrich

10/27/2024
Author of Fear Dynamics: Harnessing Fear and Anxiety to Create Lasting Happiness and Meaningful Achievement, Stephen’s journey from a childhood abuse survivor to a law firm partner exemplifies remarkable transformation. In this book, he introduces "Fear Dynamics Techniques," practical strategies to help readers conquer fear and anxiety. Fear Dynamics is both a memoir and a guide for personal growth, offering a powerful narrative and actionable insights for those dealing with past traumas. Also in discussion include: The things we do for our kids that we wouldn't do for ourselvesThe impact of anxiety in businessNormalize talking about anxiety and fear in relationships Think: am I acting rational, or is the other person acting irrational?Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:22:12

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#262: Calm in the Chaos: Conversations in the Eye of Hurricane Milton

10/20/2024
Before Host Vincent A. Lanci lost power in Hurricane Milton, he met up with three past guests for the show's 2nd Panel! Welcome back, Dr. Tomi Bryan, Michael LeBlanc, and Michael Parker. What are some areas they discussed in their return? Check out their solo shows after the episode to get to know them better! Dr. Tomi Bryan: https://www.buzzsprout.com/743867/episodes/11385297-what-is-emotional-intelligence-dr-tomi-white-bryan-shares-her-story Michael LeBlanc: https://www.buzzsprout.com/743867/episodes/9760651-a-big-move-coming-out-as-a-gay-man-overcoming-depression-with-michael-leblanc Michael Parker: https://www.buzzsprout.com/743867/episodes/10506126-second-chance-rehabilitation-with-suicide-survivor-and-inspiration-michael-parker Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:24:00

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#261: 7 Suicide Attempts + Overcoming Homelessness to Inspirational Success with Dr. Robb Kelly

10/13/2024
Meet our guest: Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD, is a renowned recovery expert focused on treating the root causes of addiction. He has appeared on shows like The Doctors, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5, and contributes to outlets like USA Today and The Jim Bohannon Show. He participated in Harvard's McLean Hospital study on mental illness stigma and hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast. Dr. Kelly created the "Let’s Get Back to 98% Recovery" DVDs used in prisons and treatment centers across the U.S. He lectures widely on addiction and trauma and is the CEO of Robb Kelly Recovery Group. His book, Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking (2019), details his own battle with alcoholism. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:20:39

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#260: Post Hurricane Mental Health + Community Talk

10/6/2024
With one hurricane past us and another on the way, it felt like the perfect time to check in and take a deep breath with a solo episode. Learn the latest in Vincent's life and with his mental health, along with going over mental health stories in the news + what's next. Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:11:23

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Beating Performance Anxiety & High Pressure Situations with All-American Harry Kilkowski

9/21/2023
Dealing with high-pressure situations can be extremely challenging for us, including being an athlete in a winning program. Losing in sports can carry serious consequences, and Former All-American and National Champion Harry Kilkowski joins the show to talk about his experiences with mental health as an athlete. Areas of Discussion include: *Performance anxiety *How to manage high-pressure situations *Moving your ego to the side *Managing social, academic, and athletic responsibilities all at once *Addressing mental health in sports *Transition from high school to college athletics Harry Kilkowski joins the show to share his story, mental health experiences playing in a winning program, and work towards changing the narrative around mental health in sports. He is an advocate for speaking on mental health. Upon graduating he started Premier Player Development to help the next generation of collegiate athletes. With his training company for the sport of lacrosse, Harry speaks on Mental health in athletics each day. Learn more about the guest and show at www.VincentALanci.com To apply for the show, email PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com Music Credits: Adventure by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden Happy | https://soundcloud.com/morning-kuli Support the show Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988 This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. Check out their course, book, and services today.

Duration:00:10:42