Actor and mental health advocate Da’Vinchi joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. for a conversation about making waves in mental health. As an advocate, Da’Vinchi uses his platform and voice to have widespread conversations about mental health stigma within Black and Brown communities, as well as the loneliness epidemic and rising rates of depression and suicide for youth. Throughout this conversation, hear from Da’Vinchi about why he advocates for mental health, what is changing in Hollywood, and what youth need to feel supported.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Every one of us has taken solace in “comfort food” before and knows how much what we eat can impact our moods. In this episode, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. speaks with Carla Hall, a chef, host, and author. After recently participating in an episode of Celebrity Family Feud benefitting NAMI, Carla joined Dan to talk about her mental health journey and current projects, as well as how food can support mental well-being and keep memories alive.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. talks with Candace Washington, licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C), psychotherapist, production therapist, suicide survivor, and a United States Air Force Veteran, to kick off Suicide Prevention Month this September. The pair discuss Candace’s mental health journey, lessons she has learned, faith, the entertainment industry, and suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out for help today. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat options, to speak with a trained support specialist.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Going back to school can be tough for kids – and their parents. In this episode, Barb Solish, from NAMI’s Office of Innovation, guest hosts for a conversation with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Christine Crawford. Hear from Dr. Crawford about what parents are worried about, how to address screen time for children, and modeling behavior at home. Plus, hear about what mental health warning signs parents can watch for and when to escalate concerns.

To hear more from Dr. Crawford, check out her recent appearance on The TODAY Show and her previous “Hope Starts With Us” interview.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. discusses childhood literacy and youth mental well-being with President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental, Alicia Levi. Brought together by our shared partnership with Macy’s, these leaders explore how Reading Is Fundamental and NAMI’s missions align. This episode asks: By developing reading and mental well-being skills, can we increase the chances that these children grow into adults who are better equipped to care for their mental health?

The Back to School Round Up at the Register campaign runs from July 1 – September 14, 2025. Learn more about NAMI and Reading Is Fundamental’s partnership with Macy’s at macys.com/purpose.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

This episode is part of NAMI’s recognition of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Saturday, August 9. In this episode, guest host Stephanie Robertson, Director of Mental Health Equity Innovation, is joined by Mechelle Negrete, NAMI’s Manager of American Indian Mental Health Community Outreach. They discuss their experiences with mental health, how they became mental health advocates, barriers to care for American Indian communities, what change they hope to see, and more.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

In this follow-up conversation about Medicaid and mental health advocacy, NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski discusses Medicaid cuts and advocacy opportunities with Jennifer Snow, NAMI's National Director of Government Relations and Policy. Listeners will hear their expert opinions on how Medicaid cuts just passed by Congress will impact people with mental health conditions and their families, policies NAMI will be monitoring, how supporters can stay involved, and more. Plus, hear from Hannah and Jen about the third anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and NAMI’s recent public opinion polling about 988.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of her legacy, this episode features Dr. Sheldon A. Jacobs and Dr. Judith Joseph in conversation with NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. Our guests share their mental health stories and what drove them to become mental health professionals. They also discuss helping young Black people explore mental health careers, mental health for Caribbean Americans, and what they wish communities knew about mental health care.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Episode production is provided by NAMI staff, including Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.