Strong Talk Podcast

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Strong Talk is a new podcast series hosted by AFSP Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement Victor (Vic) Armstrong, MSW. Each episode, Vic will moderate a discussion with his guests about the impact of mental health and substance use on diverse communities, as well as issues of equity and access as they pertain to culturally competent mental health care and suicide prevention resources. Through these important conversations, Vic and his guests will raise awareness about mental health disparities among marginalized communities, while also exploring solutions and available resources.

read less

Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Mental HealthMental Health

Start Here

Funny Feelings (Part 2) with J.B. Smoove

Funny Feelings (Part 2) with J.B. Smoove

We all know him as Leon, the outspoken and hilarious character on Curb Your Enthusiasm, his appearances in the Barbershop and Spiderman film series, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and as a wildly talented comedian. But J.B. Smoove also has a lot to say about mental health. In this two-part episode of the Strong Talk podcast hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, Vic Armstrong, this big-hearted entertainer shares his experiences of:Finding himself on stage – and finding himself in real lifeDealing with disappointment Losing people to suicide, and how family and friends can come together after a lossOur culture’s evolving perception of mental health The unfair pressure on Black men to keep their feelings inside The challenge of having to put on a happy face while dealing with something difficult Strategies for healthily managing one’s mental health We hope you’ll join us for this enlightening conversation with this beloved – and insightful – entertainer.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Episodes

Funny Feelings (Part 2) with J.B. Smoove

Funny Feelings (Part 2) with J.B. Smoove

We all know him as Leon, the outspoken and hilarious character on Curb Your Enthusiasm, his appearances in the Barbershop and Spiderman film series, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and as a wildly talented comedian. But J.B. Smoove also has a lot to say about mental health. In this two-part episode of the Strong Talk podcast hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, Vic Armstrong, this big-hearted entertainer shares his experiences of:Finding himself on stage – and finding himself in real lifeDealing with disappointment Losing people to suicide, and how family and friends can come together after a lossOur culture’s evolving perception of mental health The unfair pressure on Black men to keep their feelings inside The challenge of having to put on a happy face while dealing with something difficult Strategies for healthily managing one’s mental health We hope you’ll join us for this enlightening conversation with this beloved – and insightful – entertainer.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Funny Feelings (Part 1) with J.B. Smoove

Funny Feelings (Part 1) with J.B. Smoove

We all know him as Leon, the outspoken and hilarious character on Curb Your Enthusiasm, his appearances in the Barbershop and Spiderman film series, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and as a wildly talented comedian. But J.B. Smoove also has a lot to say about mental health. In this two-part episode of the Strong Talk podcast hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, Vic Armstrong, this big-hearted entertainer shares his experiences of:Finding himself on stage – and finding himself in real lifeDealing with disappointment Losing people to suicide, and how family and friends can come together after a lossOur culture’s evolving perception of mental health The unfair pressure on Black men to keep their feelings inside The challenge of having to put on a happy face while dealing with something difficult Strategies for healthily managing one’s mental health We hope you’ll join us for this enlightening conversation with this beloved – and insightful – entertainer.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

In this episode, in recognition of Men’s Mental Health Month, Vic and his guest Keon Lewis discuss why men are often unwilling to talk about mental health, the need to create more safe spaces to address men’s mental health concerns, and the unique challenges faced by men of color.About Our Guest: Keon Lewis first became aware of the need for suicide prevention and support for those affected when, as a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he learned of college friends who had lost family and close friends to suicide. He was struck by how the stigma many still felt around the subject made it hard to know how to have necessary conversations around the experience — and how he and his friends were unaware of how to access any support resources on campus.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In this episode, Vic and his guest, Pata Suyemoto, discuss her lived experience and the unique challenges in seeking mental health care for Asian Americans and how it all motivated her to become a nationally recognized DEI expert. Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Keris Myrick - Owning It

Keris Myrick - Owning It

In this episode Vic and his guest, Keris Myrick, discuss her journey as she has utilized her lived mental health experience to propel her to a career as an advocate and change agent in the field of mental health.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Tia Dole - The Journey to 988

Tia Dole - The Journey to 988

In this episode of Strong Talk, Vic and his guest, Tia Dole, discuss her role as Chief 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Officer with Vibrant Emotional Health. You’ll hear about the successes and challenges of 988 and what it could mean in the life of someone you care about.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Akemie Jones - A Day in the Life

Akemie Jones - A Day in the Life

In this episode Vic and his guest Akemie Jones discuss the role of working in a crisis receiving center, the importance of creating a trauma informed culture and incorporating the voice of lived experience in day to day operations.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Philip Cooper - Second Chances

Philip Cooper - Second Chances

In this episode, Vic and his guest, Philip Cooper discuss Philip’s journey through addiction, incarceration, and reinvention and how this influenced him to find his purpose in helping other men re-enter society after incarceration.Sign up for updates at https://riinternational.com/signup/Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Arielle Sheftall - Numbers Don't Lie

Arielle Sheftall - Numbers Don't Lie

In this episode, Vic and his guest, Dr. Arielle Sheftall, discuss the unique mental health challenges in Black and brown communities and what the data is telling us about research needs that address the nuances of race, culture, and ethnicity, particularly among young people of color. Arielle H. Sheftall, PhD is an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the Department of Psychiatry in Rochester, New York. She is also the Director of Academic Affairs for the Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity (DICE) Board for the department. Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Kevin & Margaret Hines - Balancing Being a Caregiver and a Spouse

Kevin & Margaret Hines - Balancing Being a Caregiver and a Spouse

In this episode, Vic and his guests, Kevin and Margaret Hines, discuss the challenges and rewards of being a partner or caretaker of someone living with mental health challenges and the importance of caregivers being attentive to their own mental well-being. Kevin and Margaret will also share how they have maintained a strong and supportive marriage relationship while balancing personal challenges with being advocates for others.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Rawle Andrews - Handle with Care

Rawle Andrews - Handle with Care

In this episode Vic talks with Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq., Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, about new initiatives in improving access to care and addressing workforce issues in mental health.Sign up for updates at https://riinternational.com/signup/Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Tonja Myles - Keeping It Real

Tonja Myles - Keeping It Real

In recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, in this episode Vic and his guest, Tonja Myles, discuss the unique challenges and opportunities experienced within the Black community in accessing culturally relevant mental health resources.Sign up for updates at https://riinternational.com/signup/Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Angela Weeks - Allies United

Angela Weeks - Allies United

In this episode Vic and his guest, Angela Weeks, discuss the unique challenges for those who identify as LGBTQ+ including accessing culturally appropriate mental health services.Angela Weeks is the Project Director of the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity. Find more about their resources at https://lgbtqequity.org/Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Dr. Christine Yu Moutier - One Size Does Not Fit All

Dr. Christine Yu Moutier - One Size Does Not Fit All

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, in this episode Vic and his guest, Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, discuss the state of mental health in America including strategies for creating more equitable access to care.Sign up for updates at https://riinternational.com/signup/Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Douglas M Reed - Mental Health and Black Men

Douglas M Reed - Mental Health and Black Men

In this episode Vic Armstrong and his guest Douglas M Reed discuss the unique challenges of Black men as it pertains to mental health, and the opportunities for decreasing the stigma associated with mental health among Black men.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka - Mental Health Is Health

Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka - Mental Health Is Health

In this episode, in recognition of Minority Health month, Vic Armstrong and his guest, Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities in providing effective mental health care in Black and Brown communities.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Shelby Rowe - From Surviving to Thriving

Shelby Rowe - From Surviving to Thriving

Shelby Rowe joins Vic Armstrong in Episode 3 of Strong Talk. In this episode, Vic and Shelby discuss her journey as a suicide attempt survivor, her work with the Suicide Prevention Research Center and how her heritage as an indigenous woman has impacted her work in the suicide prevention field.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

Doug Middleton - From Athlete to Advocate

Doug Middleton - From Athlete to Advocate

Vic sits down with former NFL player Doug Middleton to discuss the life changing event that led him to becoming a suicide prevention advocate, including how he uses his history as a professional athlete to reach young people and get them to open up about their challenges and their mental health struggles.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/

David Covington - Roadmap to Crisis Care

David Covington - Roadmap to Crisis Care

Vic Armstrong sits down with David Covington, CEO and President of RI International, to discuss intersectionality, and the importance of equity in crisis services. Where we were, where we are, and where we're headed.Strong Talk is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of equity, diversity, and family as it relates to mental health and addictions. We started this podcast because we believe that we are at a pivotal point, as it pertains to access to mental health services for historically marginalized communities. We wanted to create a space, not only to talk about challenges, but to explore and to create space for solutions. https://strongtalkpod.buzzsprout.com/